Uncertain times call for quick but confident decisions.
While it poses unique challenges, updating your will during the COVID-19 pandemic has become increasingly important. If you’re signing a will during quarantine, follow state guidelines for witnessing or consult a lawyer for alternatives, though it’s best to adhere to proper witnessing procedures when possible.
Race against time
COVID-19 has highlighted the urgent need to update wills, ensuring that assets and guardianship decisions are clearly outlined for the future
Readiness is Key
Without a will, assets are distributed according to state laws and handled by an appointed administrator, often leading to potential disputes among family members.
Legal Guidelines
During quarantine, signing a will with two witnesses may be challenging, but it remains essential to follow legal guidelines to ensure the will's validity.
Millions of people are faced with the challenging consequences of COVID-19 including public health, economic situation and financial strains. The pandemic blow has triggered multiple industries globally, specifically in the areas of manufacturing, trading, recreations, business services and transportation. But apart from these vital sectors, COVID-19 has greatly awakened the needs of people to update and make their wills during this unstable and uncertain time.
With the fear on possible worst case health scenarios, the need to revise wills were seen as vital in order to prepare the families suppose an inevitable unforeseen event such as death happens. A legal will document is meant to determine the distribution of the assets and properties when someone passes away, and other matters such as, but not limited to:
- Nomination of a guardian for minor child / children
- Testamentary trusts for beneficiary’s inheritance protection
- Funeral and burial wishes
- Donations to charities
In these uncertain times, updating your will ensures that your wishes for asset distribution, guardianship, and charitable donations are fulfilled—make sure it’s signed correctly even under quarantine restrictions.
Even during quarantine, it’s essential to address will preparation with proper witnesses or legal advice to avoid future complications—consult your lawyer to navigate signing procedures.
About half of Australians die without a will as reported by Australian Securities and Investments Commission. So, what is the importance of a will? It simply determines the distribution of wealth and assets as how a person would like it to be. If a person dies without a will (called Die Intestate), the assets will then be entrusted to an administrator (a family member) to deal with the remaining properties. The people who usually applied for administrator are direct family members such as siblings, who will be issued with a Letter of Administration by the Supreme Court in the State that a person lived in once approved.
Can I sign my Will in Quarantine?
A will has to be signed with two witnesses during the process. So depending on the state restrictions imposed as a safety measure amid COVID-19, a will can be signed if a government guideline allows three or more people to be together in the same time. Otherwise in the event of an exceptional circumstances, a person could sign the will without witnesses, only if the lawyer permitted to do so. This step is being least recommended, as it requires re-signing of the will with two witnesses when a person is able afterwards.
