Video-witnessed Wills Extended

Laura joined Hart Reade in April 2012 as a Trainee Solicitor and qualified in April 2014, joining the Private Client Department. Laura was appointed as a Partner in May 2018.

Laura is a Full STEP Member and achieved a Distinction in the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners Diploma in Trusts and Estates (England & Wales).

The Government announced yesterday that legislation introduced during the pandemic to allow Wills to be witnessed remotely will be extended until January 2024.

The legislation amended the Wills Act 1837. Although Wills still need to be witnessed by two individuals who are not beneficiaries, the legislation allows their presence to be physical or virtual. The legislation does not permit signatures to be electronic.

Lord Chancellor Dominic Raab MP said the extension was a ‘common sense measure’. The extension will continue to give vulnerable people peace of mind that their Wills will be recognised if they are forced to have them witnessed via video due to isolation or ill-health.

When it is safe to do so, Wills should still be witnessed physically. We have developed procedures for signing Wills in ways which respect the Government’s advice on social distancing as well as ensuring compliance with the Wills Act 1837.

Get in touch

To ensure that your Will is suitable for your circumstances and executed properly please get in touch with our Private Client team. Call us on 01323 727321, visit our website www.hartreade.co.uk or email us on info@hartreade.co.uk. We offer appointments at any of our offices in Eastbourne, Meads, Polegate or Hailsham.

Please note the above is for information purposes only and is intended to be a short summary.  It should not be treated as a comprehensive guide and should not be acted on without qualified legal advice.