March 2022

CORPORATE/SMALL BUSINESS

WILLS AND ESTATES

Are E-Signatures Legally Binding? 

As with many legal matters, the answer is complex.  Generally, electronic signatures are valid and enforceable.  In fact, Alberta legislation explicitly states that electronic signatures have the same force and effect as hard copy wet ink on paper signatures, with certain exceptions.  This means that a scanned copy of the document with your signature on it, a document signed through a program such as Docusign, or your signature on a digital pad is valid and binding.

The Alberta legislation carves out certain exceptions and provides that many documents must still be done the old-fashioned way with ink on paper.  This includes Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Personal Directives, Transfers of Land, Personal Guarantees, and negotiable instruments.

One major issue is the ability to verify electronic signatures and to verify digital identity.  Digital signatures are a specific sub-category of electronic signatures.  Digital signature software verifies a person’s identity as they sign the document through the use of encryption keys.  Digital identity technology allows verification of a person’s identity when they are not physically present.

For more information please click here for a full article on this topic.

Mark your calendar for the evening of March 16, 2022 and Click Here to register.

Through a connection with a seasoned Edmonton financial planner, Mr. Brent Macklem, you can access a powerful estate planning webinar. The session will be hosted by Daniel Collison. Daniel has a lengthy list of credentials and delivers a wealth of valuable information in a very accessible manner.

You will gain critical information on protecting your estate, saving taxes and easing the entire estate administration process for the benefit of all your loved ones.

I look forward to seeing you at this Zoom session on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at 7:00 PM.

To register please CLICK HERE.

REAL ESTATE

NEWS

Land Titles Delays

The Land Titles Offices in Alberta are currently experiencing the longest registration delays in their history.  As of the second week of March 2022, documents submitted for registration will finally be registered in the second week of June and Land Titles is actually registering documents submitted during the first week of December 2021.

For more information please click here.

We welcome a new lawyer to our firm, Helen Werbicki.

Helen joined Galbraith Law in August 2021. Her practice focuses on corporate/small business law. She also does work in real estate and wills and estates.