What Private Client Services Are We Offering During The Covid-19 Pandemic?
What Private Client services are we offering during Covid-19? The simple answer is all of them, but with some adjustments!
At the beginning of the epidemic we were inundated with anxious calls from clients wanting to prepare wills in the event that the worst happened. The wills and probate team here at Timms had to adapt quickly and put in new procedures so that we could take instructions over the telephone, by e-mail, post or even by video conferencing. Our ability to move with the times has allowed us to help hundreds of clients to make wills during the lockdown period, giving them peace of mind that their affairs are in order. Key worker status has meant that we have been able to work in the office where possible, or at home where that is not possible.
Private Client Services – The Positives of Powers of Attorney
The lockdown has also posed a problem for those who are unable to get out and manage their own finances, such as withdrawing money from the bank or paying bills etc. For these clients we have been able to assist by drawing up powers of attorney so that a trusted person can act on their behalf in relation to their property and finances. Similarly, people have become worried about what care decisions would be made on their behalf if they lose mental capacity and we have seen a rise in the increase of clients wanting to make lasting powers of attorney in relation to health and welfare. Again, we have been inventive in the way that we can confidently take instructions whilst safeguarding against problems that may arise from concerns about mental capacity or undue influence.
Grant of Representation & Assistance With Administering Estates
Inevitably we have also seen an increase in the number of clients who have needed assistance with applying for a grant of representation (commonly known as probate) or assistance with administering estates. In the early days this part of our work was difficult to progress, as the banks and government agencies such as the probate registry had closed their doors and we had to wait whilst they too found a new way of working. I am pleased to say that most organisations are now back up and running in some form or another and so for us in the private client team at Timms, it is very much business as usual.
For further information regarding the services we offer, please follow this link https://www.timms-law.com/wills-and-probate/. Alternatively, you can telephone me on 01332 364436 or e-mail me at j.robinson@timms-law.com.
Jo Robinson
8th June 2020