But how do I find a professional Will Writer?
The question for consumers is how can they put a Will in place and make sure that the company or individual they are dealing with has the expertise to provide a proper service?
There has long been a call for regulation of the Will Writing market. The Society of Will Writers and Estate Planning Practitioners (of which I am a member), has been increasingly involved in the drive towards regulating this field of law.
With regulation far off ensuring you have a Will in place that fits your needs, is valid and will ensure your family is protected is essential.
Use my list of Do’s and Don’ts and you cannot go far wrong.
What to look for – the Do’s!!
- The person who is taking your instructions is a member of a professional body, for example The Society of Will Writers and Estate Planning Practitioners.
- If a person holds himself out as a member of a professional body this can be checked on the Society’s own website, please email www.willwriters.com
- All members of the professional bodies in existence should have ID confirming they are a member. Just like anybody you allow into your home always check their ID.
- Only use a company or individual who is fully indemnified to the industry standard, which is 2 million. In the case of The Society, members must be indemnified to be allowed to practice.
- On a company’s website it should exhibit the Society’s logo and confirm that the required indemnity insurance is in place.
What to look for – the Don’ts!!
- If a company advertises very low cost Wills, typically well under £100 for a single Will, don’t touch. You get what you pay for, and if the service is very cheap it is unlikely that it is being provided by a qualified professional.
- On searching the web, if a company does not confirm it is a member of a professional body, it isn’t. Steer well clear.
- On a website it should always confirm that the company holds indemnity insurance. If it does not, keep away. If things do go wrong, you have no protection.
- On meeting with a Will Writer you should be informed at the outset, or as soon as possible after the meeting, as to the costs of the services to be provided. This information should be provided to you in writing.
- On taking your instructions for your Will, often it becomes clear that you may need advice regarding other legal issues. Typically, when discussing Will provision it is often a good idea at the same time to also consider putting in place Lasting Powers of Attorney.
- Be sure of exactly what additional services are to be provided. A qualified Will Writer will confirm to you in writing what services they are to provide and at what cost.
- You have rights, if someone comes to your home to discuss Will instructions and you change your mind that’s OK. You have 7 working days “cooling off” period to confirm you no longer want the services. If you feel you have been sold products you don’t want cancel as soon as possible in writing!
If you have any further queries, please contact me on 01483 564833, email Helen@wills-etc.co.uk or via my website www.wills-etc.co.uk