Read time: 2 minutes
Introduction
With the rise of technologies like Zoom, signing settlement documents has become more convenient. However, the rules have changed since COVID, and it's important to know when in- person signing is necessary.
Driving to a lawyer's office during the day can be challenging due to:
• Taking time off work
• Arranging child care
• Traveling across town
If your lawyer does not follow the correct process, they could be fined or taken of the practising register.
During New Zealand's COVID lockdowns, lawyers could witness and sign documents with clients entirely via Zoom. Since restrictions lifted, Land Information New Zealand and the Law Society have tightened the rules.
Now, lawyers can only use Zoom for signing if they've known the client for over 12 months or if a trusted colleague can verify the client's identity.
This is mainly due to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations to ensure proper client identification.
• You'll need to visit your lawyer in person to sign documents.
• Bring copies of your IDs, IRD number and proof of residency (if you're a NZ resident).
If your lawyer has known you for over a year, you can sign via Zoom if:
• The lawyer uses a secure platform like the ADLS signing platform (similar to DocuSign).
• The lawyer records a file note why they used a Zoom meeting instead of an in person meeting.
• Your identity is visually verified during the Zoom call.
HouseMe Legal: We offer after-hours appointments up to 5:30 pm (and up to 7 pm by request only). We understand it's difficult to drop everything at work.
For remote signing, your lawyer must have known you for over 12 months. Otherwise, in-person signing is required.
