§ Mr. Arthur Davidsonasked the Attorney-General what is the average cost and time of executing a will; whether he is satisfied with the present procedure in regard to banks; and if he will consider introducing legislation to standardise the procedures.
The Solicitor-GeneralThe formal requirements for the execution of a will are set out in section 9 of the Wills Act 1837. These do not, of themselves, necessarily involve any significant expenditure of time and money. There are no special provisions in respect of banks, which do not play any part in the execution of a will, although they may provide an executorship service. The Law Reform Committee has recently made various recommendations for changes in the law relating to making wills. These will be implemented by the Administration of Justice Bill at present before the House.