A nod is as good as a wink

Communication comes in many forms.

I know, for example, that if my co-director is growling, it means a piece of IT isn’t doing what it’s supposed to do.?I don’t need to ask him.

If my son slams the front door at 3am, it’s a sure sign of a good night.?If he was sober, he'd remember to come in quietly!

When the cat used to scratch at the bedroom door early in the morning it could only mean that I’d had the audacity to let her water bowl run out and I wasn’t getting any more sleep until I’d turned the tap on for her in the kitchen.?Yes, that's her in the picture.

Even in law, things can happen without words being said.?If you bid at auction for example.?Or a deal can be sealed by a handshake.?I’m often told by clients and opponents (usually unrepresented ones!) that there is no contract when what they mean is there is no written contract.?

Recently it’s been held that a woman who gave just a nod to her solicitor had, nevertheless instructed that solicitor to destroy her will.?Meaning that she died intestate so that her sister inherited her estate rather than the cousins who had been named in the will.?

Not only is this a good example of how you don’t need a voice or a signature to make things happen but it’s also another good reason to keep your affairs in order and constantly under review.?The deceased's wishes were only adhered to due to her long-standing relationship with her solicitor but even then, only after a lengthy and no doubt expensive court case.?

Kleyman & Co Solicitors.?The full-service law firm.? Because sometimes actions do speak louder than words.