Working with Covid-19 Restrictions
As the COVID-19 situation develops, Band Hatton Button LLP continue to evolve our working practices, ensuring we are continually adhering to the latest government advice and are protecting our colleagues, clients and communities.
In the last few weeks, the Wills, Trusts and Probate team at Band Hatton Button LLP have seen an increase in the number of enquiries from clients who wish to update or create Wills and make Powers of Attorney. It is unsurprising that so many clients are worried that their Will no longer reflects their current wishes and that making a/updating their Will is now at the top of their list of things to do.
For the Wills, Trusts and Probate team, our usual preference is to meet our clients face-to-face, to get to know them in-depth in order to gain an understanding of their concerns, objectives and most importantly give help to give them peace of mind. However, whilst it may not be our usual method of working, nearly every aspect of our work can be done remotely, using technology Band Hatton Button LLP has put at our disposal to ensure our clients can put their affairs into good order.
Band Hatton Button LLP has had an agile working policy in place for several years. Our lawyers are all equipped with a laptop and mobile phone which means that they have the ability to work fully from home (and have been doing so for a while).
We can also carry out full electronic searches to satisfy all identification requirements.
Practically, how might making a Will remotely work for our clients?
- You can contact a member of the Wills, Trusts and Probate team either via email or by telephone and they will arrange for a member of the support team to get in touch with you to make a telephone appointment to discuss your requirements in more detail.
You will be sent a Will Questionnaire via email to complete in advance of the telephone call or it can be used as a basis for discussion on the telephone during the appointment.
- At the agreed date and time, one of our experienced lawyers will ring you by your preferred method (video call using FaceTime, Skype, WhatsApp or a telephone call) to go through your concerns and establish what you want your Will to achieve.
The lawyer can take down the details from you for the purpose of drafting the Will, although ideally you would complete and return the Will Questionnaire setting out the information needed to be able to put together a first draft.
- We will then email you with our Client Care Letter and Terms of Business for your consideration and approval.
- Thereafter we can arrange for a draft Will to be drawn up and sent out to you via email for consideration and approval. The draft Will is supported by a comprehensive covering letter explaining the Will in more detail.
- A further telephone call or video call can be organised if required, to talk through the draft Will and ensure that you are happy with everything. We can then oversee the signing of your Will via video call.
- Once the Will has been approved we can make arrangements for the final version of the Will and any accompanying documents to be sent in the post to you with full instructions for signing (or emailed to you to print if we see disruption to the postal services).
Thanks to our ability to work from home, whether our clients require Lasting Powers of Attorney, Inheritance Tax planning, Trust preparation or other services, we can continue to work with clients ensuring our high standards and with minimal disruption.
Services we are able to offer in this way:
- Wills (in most cases - please get in touch for a discussion);
- Lasting Powers of Attorney - both Property & Financial Affairs and Health & Welfare (an External Certificate Provider will be required);
- Simple General Powers of Attorney;
- Lifetime gifting and Estate planning advice;
- Trust creation and administration; and
- Assisting clients with estate administration.
Essentially, we are able to continue to offer all of the services we would normally offer to our clients.
Anyone who wishes to discuss Wills or Powers of Attorney can arrange an appointment by contacting:
Naomi Cooper, Paralegal
024 7649 3119
Rumina Khatun, Paralegal
024 7630 9304