What is the new Government advice from the 5th of November 2020 about making my Will or getting my affairs in order?
The Government have not imposed any new restrictions which will prevent us progressing Wills, Powers of Attorney, Care Fees, Trusts or Probate cases and appointments can still go ahead as long as this is done safely.
Q. Are Staff at Fidler & Pepper working as usual?
A. Yes, our staff are following Government advice and are working both from home and in our Covid secure offices. Please contact your case handler as normal and they will respond to you as quickly as they can.
Q. What type of work are you carrying on with?
A. We are still taking on new cases across all of our services and we are running our team as ‘business as usual’ with a few tweaks to accommodate staff working both from home and in our Covid secure offices. We can help with Wills, Powers of Attorney, Trusts, Care Fees, Probate and anything else our team would normal handle for you in this department. Our team are fully functioning at home and in the office so they can speak to clients (new and existing) in person with a booked appointment, by phone, video call or by email. To book an appointment please call 01623 45 11 11.
Q. Can I arrange a new appointment?
A. Yes, we can help with new legal cases. Just call 01623 45 11 11 or email our team at probate@fidler.co.uk Appointments in person are available at our offices, but must be booked in advance and you can also arrange an appointment by phone, or video call from the comfort of your own home. We are also able to help you to complete and sign any important documentation in several different ways, so that you have peace of mind that everything has been done correctly. Emergency appointments are being assessed differently dependent on individual circumstances and closely following Public Health guidelines and advice.
Q. I have a case with you, what’s happening with that?
A. We’ll be in touch with you as your case progresses, but if you have any questions you should email your case handler directly as normal.
Q. I have an appointment booked. Can I keep this appointment?
A. Yes, our staff are happy to have this appointment with you in person, by phone or video call.
Q. I need help urgently, how can I contact you?
A. Please call 01623 45 11 11 or email probate@fidler.co.uk to speak to us as quickly as possible.
How will I be able to sign documents to make sure that my case keeps moving?
We are doing everything we can to work strictly within the Government guidelines, including the social distancing guidelines. Protecting both our clients and our staff is our priority during this difficult time. However, we can still help you move things forward and we are committed to helping you do that.
For example, you might be able to sign a document for a member of our team and they can ask you sign from a safe distance (behind a door, through a window, outside) following social distancing rules.
Q. How can I make sure my documents are witnessed?
A. Again, we are doing everything we can to work strictly within the Government guidelines, including the social distancing guidelines.
An example of working within these guidelines is that you might be able to sign a document, while a friend or neighbour watches you sign from a safe distance and then you could leave the document step back to a safe distance yourself whilst they sign it as your witness.
Q. Will there be delays to getting my affairs in order?
A. We will try our hardest to keep your case moving but there may be delays because of other parties (e.g courts) who may also be experiencing delays. Please be patient as our staff are working as hard as they can and will keep you updated as soon as they can.
Q. Is the local registry office still working?
A. We have been advised that staff at our local registry office staff will remain working to register deaths which will prevent delays on some of your legal cases.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. We’re looking forward to helping both existing and new clients.