Publication Type

Book Chapter

Version

Publisher’s Version

Publication Date

9-2020

Abstract

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 should 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 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. The current law is doing a disservice to people who want to sort out their affairs – especially during a time when life is potentially more fragile. Demand for will writing in the UK has reportedly jumped by 76 per cent. Here, fewer than 15 to 20 per cent of Singaporeans are estimated to have made a will.

Keywords

Courts, Singapore, COVID-19, pandemic, public health

Discipline

Asian Studies | Courts | Public Health

Research Areas

Asian and Comparative Legal Systems

Publication

Law and COVID-19

Editor

Aurelio Gurrea-Martinez, Mark Findlay and Goh Yihan

First Page

51

Last Page

53

ISBN

9789811808272

Publisher

School of Law, Singapore Management University

City or Country

Singapore

Embargo Period

4-19-2021

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3686357

Download

Share

COinS