The Law Commission is currently consulting on the reform to the law of wills.
The law reform body believes that the law is unclear, outdated and may be putting people off making wills. Closing on the 10 October, the consultation paper includes proposals on changing the test of testamentary capacity to take account of modern understandings of conditions like dementia; the possibility of making wills electronically; overhauling the undue influence rules as they apply to wills; and creating a power for the court to dispense with the formalities necessary for a valid will where there is clear evidence of the person’s final testamentary intentions.
Responses from stakeholders are vital in helping the Commission to produce robust and workable recommendations for reform and the Commission would like to encourage readers to respond in writing to the consultation paper. See http://www.lawcom.gov.uk/project/wills/ for copies of the paper, summary and a response form.
Commissioner for Property, Family and Trust Law at the Law Commission, Nick Hopkins, will also be attending and presenting at the upcoming Today’s Wills and Probate Thought Focus Roundtable. This is set to take place on the 15 November. To find out more about how you can get involved, please contact Karen Babington at karen.babington@solvelegal.co.uk.
