On June 5, 2023, the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office (IL SOS) adopted administrative rules  (Rules) that make Public Act 102-0160 effective and provide guidance for Illinois notaries  moving forward. 

PEW Partner Ray Prather authored an article in the June issue of the Illinois State Bar  Association (ISBA) Bar News outlining the new Rules and the related requirements for notaries. While the Rules may initially appear daunting, many sections are relevant only to course  providers, remittance agents, and electronic notary platforms. 

“While it will take time for notary publics to learn the Rules, they clarify the processes for  notarial acts and provide clear examples of notarial certificates for different notarial acts,” Ray  says. “Most importantly, they expand access to notary publics by allowing electronic  notarizations through apps on phones, tablets and computers.” 

A partner at Prather Ebner Wilson LLP, Ray advises clients on a wide array of issues related to administering and resolving challenges to estate plans. He represents individual and professional trustees, beneficiaries of trusts and estates, and tax-exempt organizations. Read the full article here.