Why lockdown makes writing a will almost impossible
The government is exploring ways to relax the rules on writing wills so people can get their affairs in order.
The Law Society noted last month that “some firms had seen business double in recent weeks as people rushed to put their financial affairs in order”, says Lucy Warwick-Ching in the Financial Times. But now we are in lockdown, updating your will is almost impossible. The law requires you to sign your will in the physical presence of two witnesses who don’t stand to benefit from it.
The government is now exploring ways to relax the rules so people can get their affairs in order. It could insist on just one witness, or not require any, says Harry Brennan in The Telegraph. The armed forces’ “privileged will” rules mean you can make a written or oral will with no witnesses required.
Wills could be witnessed via video conferencing. Witnesses could sit behind screens or windows In the same room or building.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
In the meantime, you could draw upon the 18th-century case of Casson v Dade. It confirmed that witnesses do not actually have to be in the presence of the testator when signing the will, “just within the line of sight – for instance through a window or at a suitable distance”, says James McNeile, a partner at law firm Royds Withy King in the FT.
Sign up to Money Morning
Our team, led by award winning editors, is dedicated to delivering you the top news, analysis, and guides to help you manage your money, grow your investments and build wealth.
Ruth Jackson-Kirby is a freelance personal finance journalist with 17 years’ experience, writing about everything from savings accounts and credit cards to pensions, property and pet insurance.
Ruth started her career at MoneyWeek after graduating with an MA from the University of St Andrews, and she continues to contribute regular articles to our personal finance section. After leaving MoneyWeek she went on to become deputy editor of Moneywise before becoming a freelance journalist.
Ruth writes regularly for national publications including The Sunday Times, The Times, The Mail on Sunday and Good Housekeeping, among many other titles both online and offline.
-
Cash hoarders take total UK savings to £2 trillion – why aren’t we investing?
Investment-shy Brits are hoarding huge amounts of cash in their savings accounts. We look at the case for saving versus investing.
By Katie Williams Published
-
The MoneyWeek Christmas Charity Appeal: who are we supporting and how to donate
This year MoneyWeek is supporting YoungMinds, tackling mental health for children and young people. Here’s why we are partnering with YoungMinds and how you can help.
By Kalpana Fitzpatrick Published