This is an attempt to make it easier for people to record their
final wishes whilst continuing to protect the elderly and the
vulnerable.
In an attempt make it easier for people to record their final
wishes whilst continuing to protect the elderly and the vulnerable
during the pandemic the UK Government legalised the remote
witnessing of Wills.
1. What was the procedure for witnessing a Will prior to the
pandemic?
The legislation which governs the witnessing of Wills is set out
in Section 9 of the Wills Act 1837 and states that for a Will to be
valid it must be in writing and signed by the person making the
Will (or by some other person in their presence and at their
direction) (“the testator”), who intends by their
signature to give effect to the Will. The testator's
signature must be made or acknowledged in the presence of two or
more witnesses, who must sign the Will in the presence of the
testator.
