PROTECTING THOSE WHO MATTER THE MOST

We have received a number of enquiries from people asking how they can prepare or update their Will or Power of Attorney when the current social distancing measures are in place.

Although our offices are closed our legal team is still at work and can be contacted through our office telephone numbers or by email. ‘Social distancing’ means that access to a person to witness your Will, who is not a beneficiary, can be challenging. In these circumstances, we can arrange to set up a video call with you and act as a witness to your signing. This can be done through, for example, Skype or Facetime. If you have no suitable witness and no access to video facilities, we are on hand to offer witnessing through a closed window or stop-gap solutions until the restrictions have been lifted. There is an online Wills form available on our website which can be filled out and sent to us automatically and we are also happy to receive written instructions followed up by a telephone or, preferably, a video call to discuss your instructions. We will require ID for you which can be effected without you ever leaving your house. Signing the Will shall be carried out in accordance with the above. We are also making use of video calls to ensure that Powers of Attorney can continue to be put in place to cover your affairs. Solicitors are required to interview the granter (the person appointing an attorney or attorneys) immediately before the document is signed. Therefore, our Solicitors will provide you with the relevant information and guidance before the Power of Attorney is signed. Unlike a Will, it is not strictly necessary that a Power of Attorney document is witnessed but if you do have access to an independent person this is to be preferred. Overall, the key point to take away from this is that we are still here to help with any legal questions or queries you may have. We do hope this can provide you with some comfort in such uncertain times. Please stay safe and take care.