The Execution (signing) of a Will During Covid19

 

In order for a Will to be valid according to English Law, it must be signed by the Testator (the person making the Will) in the presence of 2 independent witnesses, who then add their signatures in the presence of the testator.

 

PLEASE READ “RESPONSIBILITIES OF A WITNESS TO A WILL” BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO EXECUTE  THE WILL.

 

The Procedure for Executing a Will during social distancing has to be modified as follows:  

 

We will arrange the Execution of your Will in one two ways:

 

Option 1:

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We will come to your house with the original Will to act as witnesses. We will call you  to let them know we are outside and then post the Will through your letter box or leave on your door step for you to retrieve  (you may wish to wear gloves). If we are leaving on the doorstep, we will keep a distance whilst you collect the document   You will then take the Will to a window where you can see us and vice versa. You then sign and then post the Will back outside. We will retrieve Will whilst you go back to the window where you can see us sign. Then, we will take the Will back to our office for copying and storing. 

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Option 2:

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We will send the original document to you in the post with a SAE. You will then arrange to “meet” with 2 independent witnesses outside your house or you attend outside their house at a window where you  can all see each other. 

You will sign the Will so the witnesses can see you. You then post the Will back either inside or outside (depending on where the witnesses are). The witnesses will then sign the Will at the window again so you are able to see them do so. The witnesses will then post the Will back either inside or outside to you (depending on where the witnesses are). You can then send the Will back to our office for checking, copying and storing.

We may contact the witnesses to ensure execution took place correctly in accordance with the legal framework.

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Please get in touch if you have any questions or queries. Overall, please ensure that you observe social distancing rules and do not out yourself or others at risk Stay Safe!