A witness signature is exactly what it looks like: the signature of someone who witnessed the person who executed the legal document. For example, if you sign a new lease agreement, a person who observes you when signing the document may indicate that they also observed it by signing the document. In some cases, the law requires that certain documents, such as legal statements or affidavits in court proceedings, be signed by a person with certain qualifications (an authorized witness). There are also specific requirements for signing testamentary documents such as default wills or powers. Only the two people who enter into the contract (such as an IT contract or an SLA) will have to sign it. But there are a few exceptions and things to consider. Most agreements do not need witnesses to sign them. Most agreements do not even have to be signed by the parties entering into the agreement. Most agreements don`t even need to be written. If you would like further advice on best practices and possible strategies for the effective implementation of the agreements during Covid-19, please contact us.

It is also necessary to certify certain documents, such as for example. B a last will and a will. Therefore, it is not yet possible to observe a signature via a video call or other virtual methods. While the search for an impartial, non-resident witness, who may be physically present at the time of signing, would not normally be a major obstacle for most people, social dance measures and the current increase in non-office work certainly make things more difficult. If you are passing the document in person, make sure that an objective third party (someone who is not related to you and who is not interested in the matter) is a witness to the event, in the event that the other party subsequently tries to deny receipt of the notification. Please note that some documents must be delivered or served by an objective third party. In some jurisdictions, it may be necessary for the service of certain documents to be carried out by a trial server, sheriff or bailiff….