CREATION OF ELECTRONIC WILLS CONSULTATION RESULTS

Would a virtual witnessing procedure make it easier to make a will? [30] Respondents without a will were likely to agree with the statement that virtual witnessing would make it easier for them to make a will. [...] Also, the making of a will is extremely serious, and the requirement to sign a physical piece of paper in front of witnesses reinforces the gravity of the act. [...] 20 [53] Most of the respondents’ answers referred to the importance of leaving the decision up to the person making the will. [...] This theme included references to the importance of accommodating people (71 references), the fact that having a variety of methods may help to increase will making (47 references), that choice itself is a social good (31 references), and that the ability to make a will should be easy or supported (17 references). [...] The majority of the respondents who referenced this theme seem to be under the impression that if a person does not have a will then the property will go to the government or, alternatively, that the government will get involved and take a larger portion of the estate.