“People should talk to loved ones about their wishes if they were to become critically ill with coronavirus”, a palliative care expert has said.
This is a stressful and worrying time for everyone and we are seeing a big increase in enquiries.
We are all trying to adjust to a new normal amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, with many families and individuals approaching their affairs with an increased sense of reflection and pragmatism.
We have seen increased enquiries not only for wills, but also for Advance Directives (‘Living Wills’) and Lasting Powers of Attorney.
These are important, as they set out who will be able to make important decisions on your behalf should you not be able to; for example, due to a hospital stay or a permanent illness.
Specialists urge public to make wishes known.
Specialists in care for the terminally ill urged people to have “difficult conversations” about potential treatment and wishes after death.
Baroness Ilora Finlay, of Cardiff University, said patients “must let people know now”. It comes after new guidance on palliative care was issued around the coronavirus.
It’s important (during these unpredictable and difficult times) people are protected. At MTLS we can help you protect you and your family by taking your instructions, preparing your documentation and getting it to you with clear details on how to get it signed according to the current law.
How will I sign/have my Will witnessed?
This a good question and something we are monitoring.
The current witnessing requirements for wills (to ensure they are valid), means that two independent witnesses must see you sign your will (in person) and they must then sign it in your presence.
MTLS can take your instructions over the phone, video messaging services such as Zoom, Skype or FaceTime, or WhatsApp. We can prepare your documents and get these to you. With regards to signing and witnessing a will, there may need to flexibility around this. Perhaps witnessing is done through a window or over a fence/wall? People can wear gloves and not share a pen. There are various reports of very enterprising ways of dealing with this obstacle.
That said, it is not possible for everyone and won’t suit many. We will be monitoring the law to see if any changes occur, to accommodate challenges that have arisen through coronavirus. With aids such as video conferencing, it should be possible that wills can be signed and witnessed without the witnesses having to be there in person; even as a temporary measure.
We can help!
MTLS are operational, with meetings being conducted over the phone or via video messaging; strictly observing Government guidelines. We are also offering every NHS worker 25% OFF straightforward Will writing (including joint wills).
For more information, please contact us.
