During these uncertain times we have received an increasing number of clients enquiring about whether it is possible to prepare wills while social distancing.
We want to reassure you that despite the current pandemic, it is still business as usual at Oliver & Co and as such we have prepared the following short article on the process of preparing a will while still adhering to government guidance on social distancing.
Your Initial Appointment
We will arrange a telephone appointment for you with one of our solicitors specialising in wills, who will be able to take your will instructions while you remain in the comfort of your own home.
Draft Will
After your telephone appointment, we will prepare a draft will for you together with a detailed explanatory cover letter. You will have the choice as to whether you receive these via post or email.
Signing your Will
Once you are entirely happy with your draft will we will prepare the final version for signing. We will post the will to you for signing together with comprehensive instructions.
Despite current social distancing measures in force, the laws concerning signing wills remain the same and you therefore require two people to witness your signature. Your witnesses must be over the age of 18 and not benefit under the terms of your will or their spouse / civil partner.
To comply with social distancing guidance you may wish your witnesses to stand outside of your house and watch you sign through a window. Your will would then need to be passed outside to them, so that they can sign themselves. The will would then need to be dated and returned to us through our letterbox or in the post.
A member of the Wills team will always be available at the end of the phone to answer any queries you may have and we will also keep updated on the Government and Law Society Guidance for any changes to the process of signing a will.
If you would like to arrange an appointment, please contact us on 01244 312306 and press option 1 or alternatively, you can email law@oliverandco.co.uk.
