LEGAL EAGLE: Can you still make your will or Family Trust during the coronavirus pandemic?

Writing a will can still be done during pandemic.

We at Tilly Bailey & Irvine, like everyone, are following the current government guidance and restrictions in relation to the current the lockdown and doing what we can to stop the spread of Covid-19.

However, despite the sadness and grief this awful virus has brought, through the darkness we have seen countless acts of kindness, love and compassion from so many. We have seen communities coming together to support each other and us as a nation supporting those key workers who are keeping this country going through a national and global crisis.

One of the most common questions from clients over the past few weeks is ‘can I still make a will during the lockdown?

Yes you can is the simple answer.

The increase has been quite dramatic recently in probate matters. It was reported in March there was a 70% increase in demand for wills in the UK during the coronavirus pandemic. The likes of NHS workers and police officers were given further warning to put their affairs in order as precaution for their hard work on the frontline during the Covid-19 pandemic.

We at Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors are committed to being here for our valued clients existing and new. We are still delivering a first class service to ensure our clients legal needs are still met, managed and concluded through this time.

Following government guidance we have temporarily suspended face to face meetings from our offices across the north east, including Hartlepool. However, we have adapted our usual procedures and as a progressive technological law firm we can take instructions by other means, for instance: Bookable will drafting telephone appointments; Email; Skype meetings; Video calls and Zoom meetings.

Once a will is drafted there are still ways we can ensure that the will currently executed. Despite not being able to attend the office our advisors will be able to advise you of how the will can be legally signed and witnessed during this time. Call us via 01429 350062 or discuss matters with Solicitors online via email or our website. Please do not visit our Hartlepool, Stockton, Wynyard or Barnard Castle offices in respect to social distancing.