Whether you’re working from home or having to self-isolate during the coronavirus outbreak, this may be the perfect time to get those long-overdue life admin tasks done - including making or updating your will.
A will is simple to do and often takes very little time. However, it provides you with the peace of mind that, when the time comes, your wishes will be carried out by those who you have entrusted to do so.
It is still possible to make or update your will, even in these challenging times. The team at Coles Miller are handling website and telephone enquires as usual and are on hand to guide you through the steps required.
We’ve adjusted some of our usual procedures to ensure that you still receive the best possible support from our team, even during the current social distance restrictions.
This includes:
- Completing legal checks via electronic means. Given the current circumstances, we are able to utilise FaceTime, Skype or alternative video conferencing methods. Video conferencing is an efficient way of verifying your ID or completing similar tasks.
- Conveying will requirements over FaceTime, Skype or securely over the telephone.
- Emailing or posting your will to you after its initial draft, as per your instructions.
Witness Signatures
In order for your will to be legally binding, it needs to be signed by two independent witnesses*.
Our solicitors may be able to come to you to complete this part of the process, or it can be performed by neighbours, if appropriate.
Mindful of current guidelines, you will need to be inventive with this process; witnesses need to physically see you sign your will, even if this is through glass, i.e. a window.
Both witnesses need to be present at the same time. The document will need to be passed between you, so be sure to follow the most up-to-date guidelines in regard to social distancing if you are to allow this process. You are advised to wash your hands before and after signing and wear gloves if possible.
Alternatively, you can wait to have your will signed by witnesses when the usual methods are restored. Once witnessed and approved, final copies can then be issued and stored in our secure vault for safekeeping.
In these challenging times we advise you not to delay. Your time can be utilised wisely to ensure your future wishes are in place.
Get expert legal help from Coles Miller. Contact Coles Miller Solicitor Anthony Weber, a Partner at the firm and head of our Wills & Probate Department.
Contact him at our Poole office (01202 355695) or at our Wimborne office (01202 355699).
*Witnesses must not be related to you and not referred to, or in any way interested under the terms of the will (e.g. as executor or beneficiary, or as husband or wife of an executor or beneficiary).
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