The Government is currently considering whether the rules on how wills should be signed can be relaxed, particularly in light of the COVID-19 situation. Currently a will is only valid if it is signed in the presence of two independent witnesses who then also sign the will in the presence of the testator.
These rules date back to the 1837 Wills Act but do protect the elderly and vulnerable from undue influence and fraud.
The current situation with COVID-19 does make will signing more tricky, but not impossible. For someone isolating the witnesses can view the signing from a window and then the will passed outside for signing. All parties need to be present together, but this can be at a socially acceptable distance in an open space as long as they have a clear view.
At Wrigley Claydon we are working remotely and using technology to take will instructions, preparing wills for signature at home and providing advice and instructions to ensure the will is signed correctly and is valid.
If you would like more information about preparing a will at this time, please contact our team on 0161 624 6811 or email rld@wrigleyclaydon.com
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