Electronic signatures and witnessing – key recent developments

The law on electronic signatures and witnessing has undergone significant development in recent years in the fields of contract law, conveyancing and wills and probate. In particular, HM Land Registry has recently published an updated practice guide and the rules on electronic witnessing of wills were amended at the end of January 2024.

This webinar will review the content of the existing law and will summarise all the relevant guidance that practitioners need to be aware of.

Topics will include:

• Different types of electronic signatures
• Alterations to the rules on signing and witnessing of wills
• Electronic signatures accepted by HM Land Registry
• Validity of e-mailed invoices
• Admissibility of electronic signatures under ss7-8 of the Electronic Communications Act 2000
• Definition and effect of ‘electronic signatures’ under the eIDAS Regulation