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Summary: A signing meeting in Alberta is where your lawyer reviews the closing documents, confirms your identity, and witnesses your signature, either in person or by two-way video. Virtual signing is allowed, but Land Titles documents still require wet-ink originals.
If you are closing on a home in Alberta, the signing meeting is one of the final steps before closing day. It is where your lawyer walks you through the closing documents, confirms who you are, answers your questions, and witnesses your signature. In Alberta this can usually happen in person or virtually, but virtual signing does not mean fully paperless signing. For Land Titles documents, original wet-ink signed copies are still required.
What is a signing meeting in Alberta?
A signing meeting is the appointment where your lawyer reviews the closing package with you, confirms your identity, answers your questions, and witnesses your signature on the original documents. In Alberta it can happen in person or by two-way video conference, depending on what suits you.
How does in-person signing work?
In-person signing is the more traditional route: you meet your lawyer at the selected signing location, review the closing package together, and sign the original documents on the spot. For many people this feels simplest, because you can ask questions in real time, work through the paperwork face to face, and leave knowing the signing is complete.
How does virtual signing work?
Virtual signing can be a great option if you are busy, live farther away, or prefer handling the meeting from home. In Alberta a lawyer can witness certain real estate and Land Titles documents by two-way video conference, but the process still follows specific identity and execution rules. The lawyer must be able to see and hear you sign, and both of you must work from the same document package.
Why does virtual signing still involve printing and couriering?
This is the part that catches many people off guard. Even though Alberta permits remote witnessing by video, Land Titles still requires originally executed wet-ink documents. Electronic signatures are not accepted for documents that create or transfer interests in land, so after a virtual signing meeting the signed originals still need to be returned to the law office, typically by courier.
In-person vs virtual signing in Alberta
Feature | In-person signing | Virtual signing |
Location | Selected signing location with your lawyer | From home or anywhere with video access |
How signature is witnessed | In person | By two-way video conference |
Wet-ink originals required | Yes | Yes |
Printing in advance | Not needed | Required |
Returning originals | Done on the spot | Couriered to the law office after |
Best for | Asking questions face to face | Convenience, distance, busy schedules |
How does a virtual signing meeting work, step by step?
A virtual signing follows a predictable sequence from preparation through to registration:
Receive your document package electronically and print it in advance.
Have valid government-issued photo ID ready, and send a copy ahead of time if asked, as part of identification.
Set up a stable internet connection, a working camera and microphone, and a quiet, private space so the lawyer can properly supervise.
Join the video meeting, where your lawyer confirms your identity, reviews the documents, and walks you through where to sign and initial while seeing and hearing you throughout.
Courier the original signed documents to your lawyer so there are no delays.
Once the originals arrive, the lawyer compares them against the version reviewed on video, completes remaining steps, and moves the file toward registration and closing.
Which signing option should you choose?
Neither option is necessarily better. In-person signing is often the most straightforward, while virtual signing can be much more convenient. The right choice usually comes down to your schedule, location, and comfort level with printing documents and promptly returning the originals.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sign Alberta real estate documents fully electronically?
No. Alberta permits remote witnessing by video, but Land Titles still requires originally executed wet-ink documents. Electronic signatures are not accepted for documents that create or transfer interests in land.
Do I still need to courier documents after a virtual signing?
Yes. Because Land Titles requires wet-ink originals, the signed originals must be returned to the law office after a virtual meeting, typically by courier, so the file can move forward without delay.
What do I need to prepare for a virtual signing meeting?
You will usually receive your document package electronically to print in advance, valid government-issued photo ID (sometimes sent ahead), and a stable internet connection with a working camera, microphone, and quiet private space.
What happens during the video meeting?
Your lawyer confirms your identity, reviews the documents with you, and walks you through where to sign and initial. The lawyer must be able to see and hear you throughout, and you get the same chance to ask questions as in person.
Is in-person or virtual signing better in Alberta?
Neither is better. In-person signing is often the most straightforward, while virtual signing is more convenient. The right choice depends on your schedule, location, and comfort with printing and promptly returning the original documents.
What happens after the signing meeting?
The lawyer compares the received originals against the version reviewed during the meeting, completes any remaining steps, and moves the file forward toward registration and closing.
About the author
Joel Fox is a co-founder and COO at Ownright. He helps run the firm's day-to-day work on Ontario residential closings, refinances, and sales, and writes regularly to demystify the parts of a transaction that most homeowners only encounter once or twice in their lives.
Your signing meeting is one of the last major milestones before closing, and it should feel clear, not stressful. At Ownright, we want that process to feel simple, supported, and easy to understand, so you can spend less time worrying about paperwork and more time getting ready for your move. You can start your closing online or get in touch with any questions.
Important note: This article is not legal advice. No one should act, or refrain from acting, based solely on the information in this post or any linked materials without first seeking appropriate legal or professional advice.