Welcome to the Special Coronavirus Edition of Viewpoint
How the world has changed since I wrote my last Viewpoint introduction.
After the March lockdown switched-off normal life overnight, a new surreal way of life began for us all. Two months on, the narrative has evolved to how we can all adapt to the new normal.
Aptly for the season, with signs of life now returning to the economy, the housing market re-opening and some school classes returning as I write, we are now to take the tentative steps towards a return to what already feels like the old way of life.
We hope to help you with this and have collected together a series of articles on topics we consider most pertinent. From how the lockdown might affect your usual childcare arrangements if you are a separated parent, or what you need to consider if you are negotiating finances on divorce or separation, to the welcome news that restrictions on moving house have now been lifted.
According to YouGov sources, one in five Britons are living alone during lockdown and a third of those are aged over 65. The risk of financial abuse as well as loneliness affecting those amongst this group who are elderly and/or vulnerable is a real concern. It has always made sense for people of all ages to make a Will, but the surge in Will-making since coronavirus seized the world, enables those less scrupulous who have access to the vulnerable, greater opportunity to act and increases the chances of Will disputes later down the line.
For those who are not vulnerable, it is incredibly easy, particularly with the current social distancing requirements, to sign your Will incorrectly and therefore, invalidly. So we have included two articles especially on these topics to help guide you through the legal maze that many people face during coronavirus.
I hope you find these articles helpful and that you all stay safe and well.
As ever, we welcome your ideas and feedback or suggestions for future topics.