Browells team working from home antics and latest legal updates

Browell Smith & Co Solicitors have taken every precaution to keep both our staff members and clients safe during the COVID-19 pandemic while still successfully maintaining business as usual. Learn about our legal services during this period of self isolation, how we can help and how we’re coping during this trying time.

Technology and processes: providing expert legal support during self isolation

Browell Smith & Co has always strived to be at the forefront of legal technology, which has allowed our team to easily transition to an effective strategy for working from home. Our phone lines are still being answered as normally, all staff have access to the necessary technology and our clients’ data remains secure and safe.

The team is constantly monitoring announcements by the Law Society in regards to best practice during the pandemic as well as changes in legal procedures that are deemed necessary during this period of self isolation.

Wills and Probate Update

The current law requires a will to be signed by two witnesses present at the same time in order for it to be valid. The witnesses must be independent and cannot be related to the person to whom the will applies. However, this is currently not safe or advisable during strict self isolation directives, although the Law Society has also announced that probate solicitors are classed as essential workers.

We’re doing everything to protect our clients, so have suspended all face to face meetings. A possible workaround is to witness the signing through a window, which allows social distancing while adhering to the law.

The Ministry of Justice has announced that they are considering relaxing these rules by potentially allowing wills to be witnessed over a video conference call or by even reducing the number of witnesses required. Browells’ probate team supports changes in the law in order to protect vulnerable clients requiring a new will or changes to their will during these uncertain times.

Family Law Update

The government has acknowledged that self isolation could evoke a spike in domestic violence and could be dangerous for those who may be at risk of domestic abuse in their relationship. They’ve advised to ring 999 if you’re in immediate danger. If you are in danger and unable to talk on the phone, call 999, and then press 55. This will transfer your call to the relevant police force who will assist you without you having to speak. Access further support here.

Rules regarding self isolation have been challenging for divorced and separated parents who have child arrangements in place. The government recently confirmed that under-18s can still move between homes as part of child arrangement orders. Learn more.

Conveyancing update

The government has urged people to delay moving home during the pandemic. They have said that if you have already exchanged contracts and the property is currently occupied then all parties should work together to agree a delay or another way to resolve this matter.

If you have exchanged contracts and the property you are purchasing is unoccupied, you are permitted to continue with the transaction.

Read the full guidance.

Browells’ little helpers

The Browells team have been keeping in contact and sharing their working from home scenarios in order to maintain positivity and feel connected. Here’s what some of us have gotten up to:

Keeping busy!

Enjoying doggy cuddles while getting work done.

James, 5, with his Easter Egg Rainbow!

Sharing rainbows to support the NHS and key workers.

Adam left this for the bin men!

Building a den!

Sharing workstations with the little ones.

Gemma is thankful for her in-house baby sitter, Abigail, 8, and new play pen for Isobela who turns one next week!

This little one who keeps her parents smiling.

Archie supervising his dad’s work.

Ted patiently waiting for his daily walk.

Keeping herself entertained!

Luna trying to do her bit.

Kirsty said, “SEND HELP…. She escaped from my Mam to help me!!”

Contact Browells solicitors by ringing (0191) 250 3200 or submitting your details online via our contact form.