07 Jan Can I Still Get Legal Advice During Lockdown?
With the latest restrictions in place to help minimise the spread of COVID-19, there is a rising concern over access to legal services for important life events. Rest assured, our legal teams are fully operational and will work with you remotely via telephone, video conference and email. If you need legal advice, you can contact us and receive all the support you need. This includes company law, commercial property law, conveyancing, employment law, family law, Wills, trusts, probate and litigation.
The property market
You may still manage activities in connection with the purchase, sale, letting or rental of a residential property. Government Guidance also permits house moves during lockdown; however, you should not receive help from people outside your household or support bubble.
Estate and letting agents and removal firms can continue to work, while adhering to social distancing rules and wearing a face covering. Our conveyancing team are on hand to guide you through the legal process. You can obtain an instant online quotation here or call us on 01462 458711.
Writing a Will
For a Will to be legally binding, it must be signed in the presence of two independent adult witnesses. The Will writer must also see it being signed by the testator. Generally, this is done face to face.
However, with the lockdown preventing different households from mixing, witnesses and Will writers have been finding new ways to be there physically yet remain within the COVID-19 restrictions. These include witnessing the signing from the doorstep, over the garden fence or through a window.
However, these solutions will not work if the testator is in a hospital or care home, where visitors are not allowed and there is not any clear visibility. To help, in such exceptions, the Wills Act 1837 has been amended. The amendments state that whilst the COVID-19 restrictions are in force, the ‘presence’ of those making and witnessing Wills can also be carried out via live video-link, as an alternative to physical presence. It is essential the witnesses have clear sight of the document and the person signing it.
There will also be exceptional circumstances when we can still meet clients if it is necessary, and we remain within the social distancing rules.
For more information see: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/guidance-on-making-wills-using-video-conferencing
Please speak to our Wills, Trust and Probate team if you need to write a Will during this time.
Child arrangements
As before, child arrangement orders can still be upheld during the lockdown. The Government has confirmed that children are still able to move between homes if their parents live in separate households.
The exception to this is if either household must isolate due to a member of the home displaying COVID-19 symptoms or being instructed to do so by the track and trace system. During this time, alternative ‘virtual’ arrangements should be made to maintain child contact.
Where parents do not agree to a restriction, the first step will be to try to work together and agree on the best outcome for all, that is within the lockdown restrictions. However, where a decision cannot be reached, you should see legal advice from our team of Family Solicitors.
If you need to make an appointment with one of our solicitors email info@hrjforemanlaws.co.uk or call Hitchin 01462 458711, Welwyn Garden City 01707 887 700.
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