Team Director and Solicitor Debbie Perry talks about the recent spike in activity based on the effects of COVID-19.

“Most of us, in normal times, go about our day to day lives never thinking about the worst case scenario, or our own mortality.  Every once in a while we encounter situations that cause us to engage with the legal process surrounding death (usually a death in the family), or our own Will (when moving house).  At these points, people think about putting their own affairs in order so those around them know what to do when they die.

Saying that, these aren’t ‘normal times’ and I have noticed a spike in demand for Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney during this pandemic as many people are concerned about what would happen if they were suddenly taken ill with the virus.  A lot of people are very frightened and have been triggered to get their affairs in order.   

This is twofold, firstly people want to make sure their estate passes as they would wish and that their assets are divided as requested amongst their families or friends.  Secondly, and a specific concern with the elderly, is that if they cannot get out to go to the bank, a Lasting Powers of Attorney is in place so that a trusted person can manage their finances for them and they can remain shielding from COVID-19. 

Then there is also the recent spike in house sales due to the stamp duty holiday, which has led to a second wave in demand for Wills as people wish to ensure that their purchase does not affect their current Will, or if they do not have a Will currently, they wish to put one in place to protect the property and their loved ones should anything happen to them. So it makes sense for conveyancers to offer this wraparound service alongside the sale or purchase as the two departments can work seamlessly alongside each other, which ultimately provides clients with a better and more cost-effective service in one place. 

One of the advances within our industry is the ability to work with clients remotely, via phone and email, meaning there is no restriction on location. This allows us to assist people throughout the UK who might not want to attend the office and also living abroad with assets remaining in the UK or requiring a Will in the UK. It also enables us to service the vulnerable clients who are not able to come to the office due to shielding etc. 

Our ambition is to build a successful team that will continue to grow and assist a wide range of clients. Personally, I want to expand my knowledge into Trust work going forward so that we can offer extended services to clients.

There are so many other services that conveyancers can offer with the right team in place, Wills & Probate is just one example of how we can better serve our clients at a time when they are thinking about their finances and future.”

Debbie Perry is Director of Wills and Probate at Aconveyancing.  Aconveyancing specialises in the purchase and sales of residential property.  With offices in the West Midlands, Staffordshire and Worcestershire, the company deals with all aspects of law relating to property and land.