Digital execution is commonplace. We offer you three platforms through which you can have documents signed digitally.
Signable - Our preferred platform, tailored for Keystone's use with all data kept in the UK
DocuSign - The best known option, based in the US and so not our preference
SignIT - A version of DocuSign adapted for use the HMLR.
So that signers and witnesses understand how to sign and to ensure we have the authority to use the signed documents, we have our own . This will need to be supplied in advance to all signers and witnesses. The needs to be tailored by you first to reflect the type of execution you require (with/without a witness and for immediate/later effect). It is your tailored version of the Protocol, which you send out. If using DocuSign or Signable, it can be included within the signing envelope. A video on how to tailor and attach the generally can be seen here and a version of that video for using the with Signable is here and a version for DocuSign is here. If using SignIT or no platform, then you must email the to all signers in advance and make it clear that by signing the document they accept the terms of the .
Deeds can be signed digitally, but there are issues with whether it complies with the witnessing requirement and possibly other specific issues too. Best practice therefore is to continue to sign deeds in the usual way. If signing electronically, you should make the client aware that any document not validly executed may not be binding and there may be a higher risk that a document executed digitally is more at risk of improper execution, than a document signed by hand.