Nelson law firm Farnworth Rose Solicitors has launched a new service which allows Wills to be correctly executed at a distance during the Coronavirus.

“We have already seen a significant increase in the demand for Wills, inheritance tax planning and Lasting Powers of Attorney over the last three weeks, however there have been challenges to ensure we remain compliant and all Wills are valid whilst still following social distancing rules” said Amanda Coates, Solicitor.

The Clear View service involves the testator signing the Will in eyesight of two witnesses through a window. The two witnesses remain 2 meters apart from each other outside of the home at all times. The Will is passed back to the witnesses who then sign using their own pens wearing disposable gloves.

There have been calls for the Government to make writing Wills easier during the Covid-19 crisis and the Ministry of Justice could temporarily relax rules on two witnesses being present. Scottish Law has already been amended to allow video conference facilities to assist in witnessing a testator signing their Will.

Whilst further clarification is expected from the Ministry of Justice, the Solicitors Regulation Authority released guidance on the 2^nd of April stating that video supervision of witnesses signing Wills should be possible, for example in the case of people in a care home.