In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, wills can now be witnessed by video-conferencing. Previously, a will had to be made in the physical presence of at least two witnesses but social distancing measures have made this difficult.
The Government has produced helpful guidance on the legal requirements and best practice in respect of witnessing wills in this way.
Best practice is however still for witnessing to take place in person and so video witnessing should only be used if there is no alternative.
The legislation recognises that: An increasing number of people have sought to make wills during the Covid 19 pandemic, but for people shielding or self-isolating it is extremely challenging to follow the normal legalities of making a will - namely it being witnessed by two people. In response to this The law (the Wills Act 1837) will be amended to state that whilst this legislation is in force, the ‘presence’ of those making and witnessing wills includes a virtual presence, via video-link, as an alternative to physical presence.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/guidance-on-making-wills-using-video-conferencing
unknownx500
