Exorcising the ghost in the Wills Act
In the age of social distancing, it is about time the law is changed to allow wills to be executed electronically.
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INGENIOUS lawyers all over the Commonwealth are dreaming up rigmaroles for the signing of wills amid the pandemic. An English law firm has suggested that the will be signed at a park bench, with witnesses lurking nearby, ready to rotate around the document. Another option allows for the will to be signed at the person's doorway while the witnesses stand outside, using the services of a well-trained pet to deliver the signed will to the witnesses.
Singapore has passed many sensible temporary measures in response to the Covid-19 disruption, including marrying couples remotely so that the newly-weds, witnesses and solemniser need not be physically present. Yet, such proximity remains required for an important life admin - the execution of a valid will.
Like many Commonwealth countries, Singapore's Wills Act mandates the presence and signatures of two witnesses, neither of whom are beneficiaries, making the process of executing a valid will onerous during this time.
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