The dangers of using an unregulated will writer

Griffith Smith Farrington Webb LLP highlight the dangers of using an unregulated will writer

Individuals who choose an unregulated will writer to draft their will risk leaving their loved ones in a legal minefield, warns Griffith Smith Farrington Webb.

Griffith Smith Farrington Webb, which is accredited by the national Law Society’s Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS), is warning consumers that when it comes to buying a will they need to distinguish between advisers that are unregulated, uninsured and untrained.

Nadia Cowdrey, LLP Partner and Head of the Tax, Trusts & Estates Department said: “Your will is one of the most important financial and personal decisions that you will make, but currently there is no regulation surrounding will drafting so anyone is able to write a will, holding themselves out as an expert”.

“It is extremely important to talk to a solicitor who can make sure that the will is expressed in a way that is legally watertight. A solicitor will also be able to advise on complex financial issues such as inheritance tax and trusts planning. Solicitors are all trained and regulated and they are required to have insurance to protect the public.”

At the heart of WIQS is the first Law Society standard for delivering tailored wills and probate advice. In achieving accreditation, Griffith Smith Farrington Webb underwent an application and assessment process to demonstrate their adoption of best practice procedures in delivering wills and probate advice. This benefits consumers by ensuring that they understand the issues in preparing a will or seeking probate advice, and are aware of the options, costs and timescales in order to make an informed choice from the outset.

For further information e-mail enquiries@gsfwsolicitors.co.uk. Alternatively you may use our online enquiry form form.

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