Legal News | 25.06.20

Getting back to the new normal

The lockdown restrictions are easing and life seems to be getting back to normal. We are here to help!

Dealing with Probate

As the restrictions imposed by the Government due to the Coronavirus pandemic are now starting to ease, we can begin to get back to our normal day-to-day lives. As a result of this, we realise that many people’s lives will get busier again. Many executors have been dealing with the probate of a loved one’s estate themselves. Whilst using a solicitor to deal with the probate process in England and Wales is not compulsory, instructing one often helps to take the pressure off and might be particularly helpful now that people have less time on their hands.

Any professional fees will be payable from the estate. Wansbroughs can take responsibility for contacting the various institutions where assets are held, obtaining the Grant of Probate, dealing with inheritance tax, dealing with any property in the estate and all other estate administration tasks. We will also alert you to the risks and responsibilities you have as an executor and ensure you do not become personally liable, for instance, for debts owed by the deceased. We can make the overall process easier for you, as an executor, ensuring that the correct information is submitted, preventing any unwanted penalties.

Your Will

In addition, with the easing of lockdown, you might now feel that it is appropriate to update your Will or put one in place. Wansbroughs are able to offer advice and make sure that everything required to fulfil your wishes is included within your Will.

After we have had a discussion with you, by video call or telephone currently, to discuss what you would like to include in your Will, we will draft the first version of the Will together with a detailed summary of the provisions for you to review. Once you are happy, we will send the final version to you, together with our comprehensive signing instructions, so you are able to sign the Will at home yourself.

Furthermore, with the social distancing measures being relaxed, it means that it will be easier for you to have your Will witnessed. We are currently only operating client meetings if absolutely necessary, therefore we are still unable to act as witnesses to your Will.