From our desks…

It seems timely in this uncertain environment to send you our newsletter to let you know that we are still here and working for our clients at Havilah Legal.

Like so many of the newsletters you will be seeing, we have taken what are the appropriate steps to ensure that both our staff and any clients we speak to are protected from the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

We are currently strictly adopting the guidelines published on the Australian Government Department of Health website.

This includes requiring staff to self-quarantine for at least 14 days if they have recently travelled overseas, tested positive or been in close contact with confirmed cases, or display flu like symptoms to self-quarantine for a period of at least 14 days.

We are pleased to advise no staff have had any issues to date.

Generally, unless it is absolutely necessary to meet with our clients, we have the facilities to service our clients by telephone, video conference or email. Our courts have also made some sensible arrangements to limit the number of people who attend there, in the event that an appearance by the parties and/or their lawyer is necessary, which is reassuring for anyone who may be compelled to attend personally.  It is often possible to avoid a personal court appearance if you apply to appear by telephone beforehand.

It seems clear that our local environment has changed almost daily and the amount of information coming from the government, the world health organisation and Australian medical experts and various commentators is simply overwhelming.

Some of our recent inquiries have been around testamentary documents including wills and powers of attorney and guardianship which we are pleased to confirm we can arrange without an in person appointment. Please contact our office for further information.

I am certain that all decent Australians are particularly mindful of the terrible plight facing our most vulnerable citizens including those advanced in age or carrying disabilities, who will have difficulty both attending shops, let alone finding parking, just to buy the basic items that we all need, or who might, in the thoughtless rush of others intent on stocking their pantry at all costs, be swept aside without consideration for them.

I have no doubt that the combination of measures announced and implemented in WA and nationally will slow the spread of this virus in Western Australia and, hopefully, the remainder of the country.

With some of us having our own parents in the most vulnerable age categories, we hope everyone plays their part to help bring the outbreak of this virus under control before it overwhelms our health system and takes the most vulnerable.

Following the simple steps applicable to the common flu make sense in order to limit the risk of this infection.

Given the spread of the COVID-19 virus we have implemented facilities to meet our clients’ needs remotely without any need for them to leave their homes. Please contact the office to discuss how we can assist.