Executing A Will During COVID-19
As Will Solicitors in London, we have seen an increasing number of clients wanting to know if it’s still possible to execute a Will during COVID. According to statistics released by deVere Group, enquiries about making a Will in the UK have risen sharply, by just over 75% since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak. Whether or not this is a case of individuals feeling anxious about the increasing number of deaths, people certainly seem to be more alert to the need for financial planning; and with lockdown restrictions in place, people now have the time to consider writing or amending their Wills to reflect their present-day wishes.
To make a valid Will in England, it is essential that the Testator/Testatrix has their signature witnessed correctly by two independent witnesses. However, with lockdown and the associated social distancing measures in place, not to mention homeworking and self-isolation to combat, it has become increasingly challenging for people to do this correctly and in such a way that ensures it is done correctly. Indeed, although it is possible to get many legal documents signed electronically, for lasting powers of attorney and Wills, the rules have always been slightly different.
To avoid potential issues with inheritance tax, contested probate, and the execution of Wills without witness, we have put together this post to offer guidance on the topic of executing a Will during the COVID-19 epidemic.
Why Should you Make a Will?
The COVID-19 epidemic has already impacted the demand for Will writing Solicitors across London. Aside from this, there are many reasons why everybody, regardless of wealth or status, should consider writing a Will.
- It gives you and your family peace of mind that your ‘estate’ will go exactly where you wish.
- It can help avoid any bad feelings or family disagreements about what you would have wanted after you pass.
- It gives you the option to choose exactly who you would like to manage your ‘estate.’
If you fail to leave a valid Will, then the intestacy rules will ultimately govern how your estate is going to be distributed.
How Has Coronavirus Impacted Will Writing in London and the Wider Area
COVID-19 initially presented obvious issues, with perhaps the most significant of all being the signing of the Will and getting the Will witnessed. The purpose of having two independent witnesses for a Will signing is to protect individuals from undue influence and fraud. Under normal circumstances, solicitors dealing with Wills request that the witnesses be physically present at the same the Testator/Testatrix undertakes the signing.
Not being able to do this is one of the biggest challenges presented to Will writing solicitors and clients who need to make or amend a Will during the COVID-19 epidemic.
New Changes to the Law Impacting the Witnessing of a Will
On the 25th of July, 2020, Ministers announced there would be changes made to the law in order to accommodate the remote witnessing of Wills in England and Wales. The new legislation was indeed passed in September 2020, and this means that Will writing solicitors and their clients are now able to legally get a Will witnessed virtually, making it easier for people to outline and record their final wishes during the COVID-19 epidemic.
Whether or not these changes will continue to be permitted once the COVID-19 epidemic is through remains to be seen. For now, the change will remain in place for two full years, taking us to the 31st of January 2022. However, what matters most, is that all local solicitors for making a Will and their clients can have peace of mind that any Wills witnessed by the appropriate independent witness via a video link will be legally recognised. In addition to this, reforms will also be backdated to the 31st of January 2020. This backdating means that any Will that was witnessed by any form of video technology will be legally accepted, as long as the witnesses you use meet the usual criteria and are fully independent.
Who can witness a Will signing via a Video Conference facility?
Despite these changes to the law, you must ensure that you use appropriate people to witness a Will signing. Whether you use Will writing solicitors to make sure everything is carried out correctly or not, it is advisable that you do not call upon any of the below people to witness a Will signing.
- A family member or spouse
- A beneficiary of the Will
- A person under the age of 18
- A person who is partially signed or blind
- The spouse/s of any of the beneficiaries
- A person who does not have sufficient mental capacity to understand what they are witnessing
If you fail to observe the correct guidance around who can and cannot sign a Will, it could lead to issues with the execution of your Will should you pass.
To find out the cost of a Will through a solicitor or get advice regarding any aspect of Will writing services, please contact a member of our team to get further advice.
OGR Stock Denton – Will Writing Solicitors in London
If you’re looking for the best local solicitors for making a Will, we believe we have everything you need and offer expert guidance over the phone or via video conference. As a trusted and established Will writing solicitors, we provide value for money and IHT specialist advice to help with all aspects of your estate and IHT planning needs.
The cost of a Will through a solicitor could be lower than you think, and in doing so, you can rest assured that all matters are being handled professionally and shall be fully guided by the current laws and legislations. As North London Probate Solicitors, we understand everything needed to fully prepare a Will, and we offer value throughout the entire process.
Call us today for an initial discussion about our Will writing services, and a member of our friendly team will be happy to answer your questions and set things in motion on your behalf.
If you would like to arrange a consultation or have questions about probate advice, please email me or speak with a team member directly on (0)20 8349 5500.
