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HB 1013

Uniform Electronic Estate Planning Documents Act; permits electronic nontestamentary estate docs.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nadarius Clark and 2 co-sponsors

Virginia bill permits electronic nontestamentary estate planning documents like powers of attorney and healthcare directives, modernizing requirements previously limited to paper originals.

Left in Courts of Justice
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Bill Summary · HB 1013

Legislative bill overview

HB 1013 would allow Virginia to recognize electronic versions of nontestamentary estate planning documents—such as powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and beneficiary designations—rather than requiring physical paper originals. The bill aligns Virginia law with the Uniform Electronic Estate Planning Documents Act, a model law developed to modernize estate planning in the digital age.

Why is this important

As more people manage finances and healthcare decisions electronically, electronic estate documents could reduce fraud risks through digital authentication, lower costs by eliminating printing and notarization requirements, and improve accessibility for people with mobility limitations or those managing affairs remotely. However, implementation requires clear standards to prevent disputes over document validity and authenticity.

Potential points of contention

  • Authentication and security standards: Defining what constitutes a legally valid electronic signature and how to prevent forgery or unauthorized modification of critical estate documents
  • Notarization and witnessing requirements: Determining whether electronic documents require the same witness/notary verification as paper documents, and how to handle remote notarization
  • Digital divide concerns: Potential disadvantage to elderly or lower-income Virginians less comfortable with technology or without reliable digital access

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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