Remote Closings are Temporarily Permissible in Georgia
We are pleased to announce that, as of today, remote closings through audio-visual electronic means are temporarily permissible in Georgia.
This development has been made possible through the concerted and coordinate effort of leaders in the real estate industry, the Georgia Bar, and the governor. The Supreme Court of Georgia last week temporarily suspended the requirement that the closing attorney conducting a closing must be physically in the presence of the signing parties in the transaction. Today, Governor Kemp signed an emergency order temporarily allowing for the remote/online notarization of documents. The two steps combined will now allow parties to sign closing documents without leaving home or physically meeting in person with a notary or the closing attorney.
Remote closings have been made possible through the concerted and coordinate effort of leaders in the real estate industry, the Georgia Bar, and the governor.
As this presents a significant change to the way closings are typically conducted in Georgia, we will be working diligently to coordinate the implementation of appropriate measures, and our offices will ensure that any new policies and procedures are clearly communicated to the parties so that closings remote/e-closings can take place right away. Please note that we are still able to close in the traditional (in person) manner if that meets the needs or preferences of the parties, but we are thankful to our real estate industry partners and friends who came together to make this new alternative temporarily available.
As always, we continue doing everything in our power to protect the health and safety of our clients, customers and staff, and to ensure that at all closings as LLH occur professionally and safely. We wish you and your family good health during this difficult time, and we look forward to seeing you – either through electronic means or in person – soon.