Legal News | 2.04.20

Private Client Update

Throughout these unprecedented times, Wansbroughs remains committed to ensuring that our clients are kept up to date with the most current legal advice and updates. As a result, we are launching a weekly newsletter in place of our monthly newsletter to ensure that you are kept fully informed.

Signing a Will in lockdown?

The UK wide lockdown has brought with it a significant increase in the number of clients wishing to execute new Wills. However, for a Will to be valid, the testator must sign in the physical presence of two independent witnesses.

Prior to the current pandemic, we would have done all we could to assist with this process; however, protecting both our clients’ and our staff’s health is of paramount importance to us and therefore, in line with the current social distancing restrictions, we are no longer able to physically witness clients’ Wills. We appreciate that complying with the formal Will signing requirements has become extremely difficult in the current situation and we are taking action to effect change.

…And Lasting Powers of Attorney too?

The current lockdown doesn’t just pose issues in relation to the signing of Wills; in order to effectively execute a Lasting Power of Attorney, an independent witness and certificate provider is required. Again, social distancing restrictions greatly limit a person’s ability to put in place a Lasting Power of Attorney at the current time.

Lobbying for change

We have therefore been actively lobbying our local MP, the Ministry of Justice and the Law Society of England & Wales for a relaxation of the current rules to enable you, our clients, to execute Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney whilst in lockdown and to get the peace of mind that comes with having your affairs in order.

We will keep you updated as and when progress is made.

If you require any further information or advice, please contact wealth@wansbroughs.com.

Last updated 02/04/2020