The Office of the Public Trustee and Guardian (PTG) has adjusted its policy for making Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPOA) in line with the changing COVID-19 restrictions.
The Office said the changes were necessary to comply with current government restrictions and guidelines for all but essential services and to protect the health and safety of its staff and clients.
“PTG has amended its COVID-19 policy on the preparation of Wills and EPOAs to accommodate S.4 of the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act 2020,” the Office said.
“Under this revised policy, PTG will continue to make Wills and EPOAs only for persons in Emergency situations,” it said.
“For these purposes, ‘Emergency’ means where the person is gravely or terminally ill.”
PTG said it would now allow the witnessing of signatures on Wills and EOPAs via audio-visual link.
It said no fee was payable for Wills or EPOAs made in accordance with the new policy during the pandemic.
“Should we agree to go ahead and make your Will/EPOA, one of our staff will contact you to make the necessary arrangements,” it said.
“We will take your instructions by phone and make a draft of the Will/EPOA.”
The Office said the draft document would either be emailed or a member of staff would visit the place of residence to confirm and finalise the document.
“During the visit, our staff will wear a mask and use antibacterial sanitiser and may ask you to do the same.”
PTG said the meeting would also seek to identify the applicant, ensure they had capacity to make a Will/EPOA and were making the Will/EPOA freely and voluntarily without coercion.
