Private Client Issues – July 2020

Welcome to this month’s edition of Private Client Issues, Blake Morgan’s monthly round-up of the topics. It features insight and advice on developments affecting private individuals.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the way we work and live, we wanted to take this opportunity to remind you about some of the things we’re doing to help. As always, our focus is on providing you with a high-quality service, while working to keep our staff, clients and contacts safe. In line with the Government’s advice, our employees are working from home where possible, and happy to meet with you virtually until we can meet in person again. We are really proud of the way that our staff have risen to the challenge to do this without impacting the service we provide.

The situation continues to be fast moving, with new measures being announced as the Government addresses the key issues facing both individuals and businesses. Our team are here to help you, with the advice and support you need at this difficult time. Please access our COVID-19 hub for up to date information on key issues and please look after yourselves and those close to you.

Power of Attorney – which type is right for you?

By creating a Power of Attorney you can give somebody legal authority to act on your behalf to deal with your financial or personal affairs. This can be especially useful during lockdown for someone at home who would prefer to have their attorney act for them when communicating with third parties or organisations.

Read more about what Power of Attorney is right for you.

Will coronavirus kill off cheques?

With so many processes moving online during the COVID-19 pandemic, could paperwork, cheques and ‘wet-ink’ signatures be on their way out for good?

Read more about the future of online processes.

Fear amongst parents sending their children back to school and factors to consider

The majority of schools have been closed since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On 1 June 2020 we saw the reopening of nurseries and some primary school provision across England as part of the Government’s approach to children returning to school.

Read more about what factors should be considered about a return to school. 

Handling a property chain in COVID-19

Industry bodies, including the Law Society, have recently released updated guidance on the conveyancing process as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. We examine the guidance so that you know how to handle a property chain in the COVID-19 pandemic. The priority remains to minimise risk whilst supporting conveyancers to work together safely to keep the wheels of the property market turning.

Read more about what conveyancers need to do, useful for anyone trying to buy or sell a house in the current climate.

Signing deeds during the COVID-19 pandemic

The Land Registry have announced that with effect from 4 May 2020 “Mercury signing” is now a temporary approved method of signature acceptable for deeds and for registration purposes. The aim is to relieve some of the challenges we face during the COVID-19 restrictions by facilitating remote signing of deeds where several parties need to sign.

Read more about what deeds can be signed remotely during COVID-19.

What are the changes to the furlough scheme from July 2020

It was on 20 March that the Chancellor announced the temporary introduction of the Coronavirus Job Retention scheme, more commonly known as the furlough scheme. The practical implications of the unprecedented measure have been debated constantly even since. That debate will continue now that the finer details of the significant changes to the scheme from 1 July onwards were published last Friday, 12 June. These changes will have considerable implications for employers and their staff and current furlough agreements.

Read more about the furlough scheme.