Will appointments over the phone and supporting our private clients - Wendy's story

Wendy Macarthur, a Wills, lasting power of attorney (LPA) and probate specialist at our Birchington office, is working from home and continuing to assist clients during the pandemic. Here she talks about how it feels like business as usual except when her house rabbits decide it is time for a drink.

Wendy explains, “I am taking instructions for Wills over the telephone and it is going really well. With couples we put our phones on loud speaker so I can talk to them both.

“For LPAs, I am still taking instructions over the telephone and am able to draft the documents to get the process underway.  It can often take several months for Lasting Powers of Attorney to be registered and therefore any work I can undertake now will mean when the lockdown is lifted clients can be a step ahead.

“Probate estate papers are being posted through the door at our Birchington office for me to sort through and probates are proceeding as normal but responses are taking slightly longer.

“I look after the general affairs of a number of clients. A few days ago I drove to a care agency to hand over some money to ensure food could be purchased for an elderly bed bound client. 

“The sale of another client’s property went ahead through our conveyancing team. I have been able to alleviate some of his money worries and paid his care fees, which needed to be brought up to date.

“Today I am off to someone’s house to pick up their estate papers because they are isolating. I always ensure that I hand documents back and forth at the appropriate distance, of course.

“My house bunnies are keeping me company in my home office and generally well behaved. I dictate a lot of letters and my secretary, Hayley, is listening out for them in the background. Rabbits are generally pretty quiet animals but when they drink from the water bottle it can be a bit loud! I don't think any clients have noticed yet.”

Wendy Macarthur's direct dial number is 01843 269378. If you are not sure who to contact in our private client team, please call our main office in Margate on 01843 234000.