Lancaster law firm BSG Solicitors have reported a significant increase in the demand for Wills, inheritance tax planning and Lasting Powers of Attorney over the last three weeks.
“Only last month an online poll showed that the number one reason people did not have a Will was simply that they hadn’t got round to it. Concerns over the Coronavirus and an increased amount of time people have on their hands due to lockdown has resulted a large number of enquiries from new and existing clients” commented Rebecca Lauder, Partner.
There have been calls for the Government to make writing Wills easier during the Covid-19 crisis and the Ministry of Justice could temporarily relax rules on two witnesses being present. Scottish Law has already been amended to allow video conference facilities to assist in witnessing a testator signing their Will.
“There are challenges to ensure we remain compliant and all Wills are valid, whilst still following social distancing rules. We have done a number of ‘Window Wills’ where clients have been self-isolating and we have witnessed them signing through a window at their home. It is also possible for us to send the Wills out by post with detailed instructions for signing and witnessing.”
Whilst further clarification is expected from the Ministry of Justice, the Solicitors Regulation Authority released guidance on the 2nd of April stating that video supervision of witnesses signing Wills should be possible, for example in the case of people in a care home.
