Does my wills have to be witnessed in person, especially during Covid-19 pandemic?
The Ministry of Justice has said that a temporary statutory instrument will be laid from September this year. It will allow Wills to be witnessed remotely in England and Wales.
The statutory instrument will significantly alter the Wills Act 1837, making use of video conferencing technology so wills need not be witnessed in person, face to face.
The law had previously stipulated two witnesses must be in the physical presence of the testator, in order for the will to hold validity.
However, the new rules allow signatures to be witnessed using video conferencing software on iPad, iPhone, smartphone, tablet or laptop or desktop computers. This software could include Zoom, Facetime, Microsoft Teams or Skype. Once signed by the testator, a will can then be posted to witnesses, who sign it themselves during a web conference.
Read more about ensuring your will is legal on the Gov.uk website at this link.