Posts tagged “Wills”

We usually expect a Will to be a paper document that has been signed with a pen and ink, but there are some more unusual ways to do it. 
 
Some of them perfectly acceptable and legally binding, but others could be invalid, leaving you intestate
 
The Covid-19 pandemic puts things in perspective and shows just how crucial it is to make and put in place a Will or Lasting Power of Attorney. With concerns at the forefront for both clients and Will Writers in the event of a ‘lockdown. 
 
There will be a lot of advisors worried about carrying out face to face meetings, in particular with vulnerable clients, and how it will affect themselves too. 
 
The outbreak of Covid-19 in the UK population will, for many, bring into sharp focus the importance of having in place an up-to-date will. As it become necessary for companies to work at home, and restrict face to face contact with clients, or even close their doors temporarily, this could impact on the ability of clients to put in place new wills or Lasting Power of Attorney documents. 
 
For clients who are self-isolating or do not wish have a face-to-face meeting, there are other options available. I can offer Telephone call for will writing services in which I can take instructions and provide advice over the telephone, and then providing draft and final wills via email or post. 
 
In usual circumstances, those with complex needs will usually benefit from a face to face meeting, but if face to face contact is restricted, there is no reason a detailed conference could not take place over the telephone or by video call. 
 
The position in relation to vulnerable clients, including those in nursing homes or hospitals, is likely to be more complex. Such people often need face to face meetings as it may not be possible to take their instructions using other methods, and there are more likely to be concerns about issues such as capacity and undue influence. I where possible will remain for as long as possible willing to carry out visits to such clients, but hurdles will be faced if, for example, many nursing homes and hospitals are restricting visits. In such cases it will probably be necessary to liaise closely with family members and relevant parties such as nursing home staff, in order to try and facilitate the most appropriate arrangements for meetings to take place with these vulnerable clients. It goes without saying that those undertaking visits will need to be mindful of guidance regarding close contact with individuals in order to protect themselves and others as far as possible. 
 
I am always at the end of a phone for help and advice. 
Many of us would like to make a difference when we die by leaving a gift to charity. We might have supported the charity or benefitted from its work in our lifetime. However, there are some possible pitfalls. 
When people talk about ‘putting my affairs in order’, we often assume that they mean that they mean they’re ‘getting ready for death’. That doesn’t have to be the case. 
 
In fact, everyone who has assets should think about what will happen if they are unable to manage them – for any reason. 
 
Here are some helpful things you can do, to put your affairs in order. 
Many couples would like to make almost identical Wills, or mirror Wills, leaving their estate to their partner when they die. 
 
Often everything will go to their children when the surviving partner dies. 
 
In mirror Wills only the name of the person making the Will, and the name of their beneficiary might change. This makes them a more straightforward and cheaper option for many people. 
 
For couples, mirror Wills mean that when one person dies, the other is protected. 
You can find templates for Wills easily. They can be downloaded from the internet and bought in stationery shops. 
 
Before you decide to write your own Will, here are some things to think about. 
If you and your partner have a young child or you are considering starting a family, imagine what would happen if you both died. 
 
It’s a subject that most of us don’t want to think about. However, you can appoint a parental guardian in your Will and make financial arrangements to support your child. 
When you write a Will you can feel confident that have clearly explained what you want to happen to your estate and that your wishes will be carried out. 
 
However, it’s important to understand that words can sometimes have unexpected legal meanings. 
 
It’s important to ask questions, because the right words must be used to avoid any misunderstandings or challenges. 
Have you noticed signs of confusion or forgetfulness in an older friend or relation? 
 
You might find their slippers in the oven or forgotten bills in the bread bin. 
 
These small lapses could be due to worries or a short-term illness, but they could also suggest that it’s time to take some important steps. 
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