There is no doubt that we are currently, and likely to remain, in unprecedented times. The legal sector, now more than ever, recognises the need for change and how technology is essential for firms to provide vital services to clients.
With the Law Society in discussion with the Ministry of Justice to pass emergency legislation to relax the witnessing of Wills and speed up the registration of LPAs, we have been prepared for a long time.
Ahead of the Law Commission compiling last year’s report, stating that “electronic signatures should be considered just as legally binding as a handwritten one, even when it is just a typed name or a single click of a button”, we had already developed the technology for electronic signatures and have been utilising them where possible for some time with documents other than Wills, Trusts and LPAs using the Countrywide Legacy software.
Once these changes are in place, we believe that this will be a massive step forward, and will continue to positively affect the industry for generations. If new legislation is passed to authorise electronic signature for Wills and other legal documents, Countrywide Legacy is ready.
So, what’s in place now?
In light of the current climate, we have also built in additional features within the Countrywide Legacy software that you are able to utilise now, ahead of upcoming legislation changes. Most notably, we have adapted our ‘Risk Reduction Trilogy‘ to be appropriate for when face-to-face instruction taking isn’t possible.
Countrywide Legacy seamlessly guides the user through, asking all the necessary questions during the instruction taking process suited to when you are not in a face-to-face meeting. This ensures the client’s surrounding circumstances and reasons behind the decision-making are fully documented, and includes a robust set of questions to be answered on testamentary capacity.
This means that you can still retain an electronic comprehensive record of all crucial facts throughout every stage of the process automatically, saving time and reducing risk at every turn, whilst still automatically producing a Will Clarity Statement, Client Disclaimer and Execution Statement during the relevant stages of the process.
What’s coming next?
We have also been developing an app that assists in streamlining and automating practices between a firm and the client. Not only does it save time for both parties, but it also provides an improved level of service, efficient communication and increased quality of data.
This can prove vital in times where face-to-face meetings are not possible, when forms need to be filled (rather than posting), a secure method of transmitting bank account details is needed, and when making the necessary ID checks.
If you would like to learn more about Countrywide Legacy and register for a FREE TRIAL, please click here or email us today!
This article was submitted to be published by Countrywide Legacy as part of their advertising agreement with Today’s Wills and Probate. The views expressed in this article are those of the submitter and not those of Today’s Wills and Probate.
