Thinking about using an unqualified will writing service?
"Don't get caught out"
This is a recent article from the Daily Telegraph. It followed a Panorama programme which highlighted the risks of using a Will Writing Service. Many people are under the false impression that a "Will Writer" is a Solicitor, but unlike a Solicitor they do not have to undergo any training or take out insurance. In addition they are not regulated by any organisation which ensures that they conduct their activities in the interests of the consumer and provide some form of redress, if things go wrong. If they go out of business, there is little that can be done. Sometimes the Will cannot be found, even where charges have been made for storing it.
The lack of regulation has enabled many Will Writers to adopt high pressure selling techniques which was illustrated in the programme, often offering Wills at a low or discounted fee and then recommending themselves to be appointed as Executors, often subject to various hidden additional costs. In addition they sell other services without full advice, such as transferring the family home into a Trust in an attempt to avoid care fees. Terms and Conditions can be poorly worded and difficult to understand.
The programme highlighted the potential for getting it wrong without full legal advice and the need for proper regulation of Will Writers. It can be very costly to sort matters out after you have died. Your family can be left in disarray when they have to pick up the pieces as problems generally only come to light after you have died.
For further information ask a member of our Wills Team: Exeter Office 01392 285000 or Cullompton Office 01884 33818
Extract from The Daily Telegraph - Tuesday August 10th 2010