Making a Will during the pandemic

Making a will has been something more and more people have wanted to do as the worries of COVID19 have pressed heavily on their minds. Making a will is something many of us plan to do but put off for a variety of reasons and it is only at times like we find ourselves in now that it is pushed to the forefront of our minds. It is however essential if you want to avoid the law stating who should inherit your estate, if you want to provide for unmarried partners or appoint guardians.

The process of making a will has been complicated by social distancing and isolating but it is not impossible. Telephone, garden and video appointments with a solicitor have been available with most firms and witnessing a will has often been done by neighbours in a garden or by watching through a window. A will is only valid if witnessed by two independent witnesses present when the will is signed. On rare occasions when this has not been possible, for example due to hospitalisation, then video witnessing has taken place and due to a change in the legislation this has now retrospectively been made legal for a limited period of time. This procedure is however open to abuse and should only be used as a last resort.

If you are considering making a will ,or need help with the Probate of a will, and want to see how this can be done at this time the team at Wrigley Claydon will be happy to help. Please call Rachel Damianou or Jyoti Patel on 0161 624 6811 or email us on rld@wrigleyclaydon.com or jxp@wrigleyclaydon.com

Whist our Saddleworth clinic remains closed our Oldham office is now open for clients by appointment. We are also still offering our free initial clinic advice over the telephone on divorce, children matters, domestic violence, accident claims, disputes, property, wills, probate, powers of attorney, company and employment issues. Please telephone 0161 624 6811 for a confidential telephone appointment with one of our specialists.