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Wills & estate planning specialists

0203 488 3997

We provide clear and straightforward advice for individuals, families and business owners about Wills, LPAs and Trusts.

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Wills

0203 488 3997

We make sure your family, dependants or chosen charities are provided for in the manner you want and in the most tax efficient way.

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Lasting powers of attorney

0203 488 3997

We provide professional yet empathetic assistance for those who feel they cannot continue to handle their financial and healthcare affairs.

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Trusts

0203 488 3997

Through careful planning wealth can be passed on to the next generation in a beneficial manner which may also include potential tax savings.

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0203 488 3997

If you require any information about any of our services please don’t hesitate to contact us to speak to our experts directly.

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Can I Still Make A Will Whilst In Lockdown?

Can I Still Make A Will Whilst In Lockdown?

Many essential services have struggled in recent weeks as traditional ways of working become increasingly difficult. Social distancing measures introduced to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have hindered the way some legal professionals are able to facilitate the increased demand for Wills.

Fortunately, here at Ashton Grace, we have been offering and providing our client services remotely for years. We did so alongside face to face client meetings. As such, we have been largely unaffected by the change in working practices. Rest assured that Wills have continued and do continue to be written by us.

Legal professionals have just needed to become a little more creative in the ways they ask testators and witnesses to sign a Last Will and Testament.

What has changed?

Wherever possible, people should stay at home and avoid meeting others to stop the virus from spreading and overwhelming the NHS.

This has had a huge impact on the way legal practitioners complete the Wills process where face to face meetings were usual practices. Fortunately, the impact at Ashton Grace has been minimal.

Under Section 9 of the 1837 Wills Act, a testator must sign their Will in front of two independent witnesses (witnesses who are not beneficiaries or executors of the estate). Whilst this was fairly easy in the past, quarantine advice makes this process almost impossible.

In order for our sector to continue producing Wills, many practitioners have used innovative solutions. Wills have been witnessed in gardens by neighbours, in empty car parks and even ‘drive-thru’ style Wills signings have taken place!

 How can I comply with government advice and make a valid Will?

Testators should ensure that witnesses remain at least two metres from the testator and other witnesses and make sure that separate pens are used to sign the document.

Whilst the approaches in creating a valid Will are much changed at present, the process remains the same and we remain dedicated in ensuring virus-based restrictions do not prevent such an important document from being written.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

If you would like to speak to one of our expert Wills and Probate experts, ring us on 0203 488 3997 or email us at info@ashtongrace.co.uk

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