Jul 17, 2026
Who Can Witness a Power of Attorney Signature?
The requirement to be physically present is absolute. A signature cannot be witnessed online via a video call like Zoom or FaceTime, or even through a window.
Meet the Team
Sarah joined Walker Foster in December 2021 as a Wills and Probate Executive and is based at the Settle office. She deals with various aspects in the Private Client Department such as Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Estate Administration.
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Sarah RichardsonWills and Probate ExecutiveSarah was born and bred in Barnoldswick although she went to school in Blackburn. She started working at her father’s law firm from the age of 16 as an office junior and has gained a wide experience over some 40 years in most sectors of the law including conveyancing, family, and private client.
After having a period away from the office to raise a family Sarah’s career continued but specialising in the Private Client area of the law. Whilst not legally qualified, Sarah has completed some studies towards the STEP Certificate and gained valuable knowledge by lengthy work experience as well as being a dementia friend. She also works under the supervision of the Head of Private Client who is a Senior Solicitor at the firm.
Sarah particularly enjoys meeting clients and listening to their life stories.
Sarah has a very large family and two dogs which occupy most of her spare time. Sarah loves going to the theatre, eating out and visiting historic towns and cities.
The requirement to be physically present is absolute. A signature cannot be witnessed online via a video call like Zoom or FaceTime, or even through a window.
Many people assume that only someone named in a Will can challenge it. In reality, a person does not always need to be included as a beneficiary to contest a Will. In certain circumstances, someone who has been left out may still have legal standing to bring a claim.
When buying or selling a business, the sale documentation must clearly set out who is responsible if something later goes wrong. Two of the most important protections in a business sale are warranties and indemnities.
The requirement to be physically present is absolute. A signature cannot be witnessed online via a video call like Zoom or FaceTime, or even through a window.
A power of attorney does not continue after death. When the donor dies, the authority granted to the attorney ends immediately. There is no grace period, and the attorney stops acting from the point of the donor’s death.
27 Riddings Road, Ilkley, LS29 9LX
1 High Street, Settle, BD24 9EX
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First Floor, 7 Victoria Avenue, Harrogate, HG1 1EQ
Century House, Northallerton, DL6 2XQ
