With all the uncertainty for businesses throughout Norfolk as the coronavirus pandemic continues, one award-winning Will Writing firm has adapted to enable them to continue to support their clients.
Stuart Burrell, MD of Heritage Wills, based in Norwich said they have “embraced the new normal” in numerous ways including adapting their office to provide a safe space for witnessing will signings as well as thanking NHS frontline staff by providing free Wills.
One of the main challenges posed by social distancing for the industry has been the witnessing of Wills being signed. Once the Will has been drafted, the client then needs to get it signed and witnessed by two independent people. Currently the law in England states that these witnesses must be present at the time of signing (also referred to as attestation). This has proved to be challenging during lockdown, but Heritage has been quick to offer solutions.
At their Norwich Head Office, the team have adapted their office space to create a safe environment for clients to sign their will & staff to witness it whilst adhering to the current social distancing measures. The service – affectionately known by the Heritage team as the “Attestation Station” – has been greatly appreciated by clients.
Historically, Heritage offered free home visits to clients but social distancing meant they had to quickly rethink how to best to continue offering their bespoke service. “Our team of Consultants now offer free virtual appointments utilising technology such as Zoom, WhatsApp, Facetime and Skype as well as telephone consultations which are all proving very popular with our clients. Our phones, website live chat and social media have been very busy with requests for appointments from new clients as well as existing clients who want to review and update their existing Wills.” explained Stuart.
“As well as working to make the Will process as easy as possible for our clients, we also wanted to say a thank you to the NHS for their amazing work during the coronavirus pandemic. That’s why we have extended our offer of a free standard Will to NHS frontline staff until the end of July.”