By Gabriel Princewill-
A high demand for wills has been observed by probate solicitors in the wake of the Coronavirus. The unpredictability of future outcomes, including the longevity of life caused by the dynamic effects of the coronavirus, has led to an increased percentage of people making plans to write their wills ahead of a potentially unforeseen demise.
A spate of deaths precipitated by this public enemy gripping the world and threatening the global economy, has alerted several people of the important need to prepare their will now, before it is too late.
Gary Rycloft from Joseph A Jones and Co Solicitors told that The Eye Of Media.Com the leap in the demand for wills has been induced by the numerous deaths caused by the coronavirus which has dominated the news in the past few weeks. Although the mortality rate of those who contract the lethal virus is relatively low, its random scope makes it worrying enough.
‘people are worried about not surviving. At the moment, a lot of people have been rattled about how they will go through the next week. At a time when a lot of people are going to hospital for routine operation, a large part of the population has got that mindset, he said.
‘Making a will is something a lot of people have put off, but people have been bombarded on the news with the deaths that has affected both the young and old. You can’t get away from it, it has made people see how indiscriminate the coronavirus is in its deadly effect”. I have spent over 20 years trying to talk to people about wills, its not a good sale.
This is a good time to talk about the D word people want to avoid. It is also an opportunity for families to cherish the time they have now and discuss the undesirable possibility of death”.
‘‘We are already using video conferencing that enables several parties to participate at the same time. This technology ensures that people, especially the vulnerable, do not need to leave their homes. However, this is being undermined by the fact that a Will needs to be signed and witnessed by two individuals in person.’’
EXPLORATION
The Ministry Of Justice and the Law Society are currently exploring an innovative way for people to sign wills whilst maintaining social distancing. Scotland has recently announced video conferencing that enables multiple parties to engage in the process simultaneously.
”At the moment, an initial telephone appointment can be made to discuss the will then an arrangement can me made for two people to come in and get the will done. They can watch someone do it through the window and still maintain social distancing rules”, he added.
Alternatively a video conference arrangement can be made, this is still being discussed between the Ministry Of Justice and the Law Society” mr.Rycloft said. The exponential increase in deaths regularly featured in the media is making people more conscious of the fragility of life, thereby influencing their decisions to tangibly establish who they want to inherit their money or possessions.