Regulation of Will Writer
Who are Will Writers? Anybody can set themselves up as a ‘Will Writer’. They...
Back to News and EventsWho are Will Writers? Anybody can set themselves up as a ‘Will Writer’. They...
Back to News and EventsAnybody can set themselves up as a ‘Will Writer’. They do not need any legal qualifications or be regulated in any particular way. There are many organisations calling themselves ‘Will Writers’ around the country. Some of these rely upon staff who have had only rudimentary training. Its possible, therefore, that the Wills they encourage people to make are not suitable for their particular circumstances. If incorrect advice is being given, there is little prospect of being able to pursue a Will Writer afterwards.
By contrast, all Solicitors are Regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority, and must have appropriate indemnity insurance in place. Indeed so do those Will Writing Firms who are signed up to the Society of Will Writers or the Institution of Professional Will Writers.
The Law Society have attempted to remove “rogue” Will Writers from the system. They put forward a request that the Government regard Will Writing as a “reserved legal activity”. This means it would only be carried out by suitably qualified – and Regulated – legal professionals. The Legal Services Board made a recommendation to the Lord Chancellor back in 2013 that formal Regulation be imposed. The Government at that time decided to encourage voluntary Regulation instead.
As things stand, we are still in the situation where anyone can call themselves a “Will Writer” and therefore it is important that members of the public do take care that they are getting appropriate advice from someone who is suitably qualified.
By instructing one of the Solicitors at Poole Alcock to prepare a Will, you can be safe in the knowledge that you be receiving a fully professional service, that it is backed up with the appropriate qualifications, regulations, and indemnity insurance to give you peace of mind.
For more information, or for an appointment to discuss your requirements, speak to one of our expert solicitors in our Wills and Probate team on 0800 389 7093. Alternatively you can visit our wills and probate services page here or complete the form linked here and we will call you back.
Poole Alcock LLP is a Limited Liability Partnership and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Registered in England and Wales at: 2nd Floor, 34-36 High Street, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 5AS. Telephone: 01270 625478. LLP registration number 0C310420 Poole Alcock LLP has offices in Alsager (SRA No: 408249), Congleton (SRA No: 408248), Crewe - Nantwich Road (SRA No. 639144.), Nantwich - The Dowery (SRA No: 408250), Nantwich - High Street (SRA No: 408247), Sandbach (SRA No: 408252) and Wilmslow (SRA No: 654460). The firm's VAT number is 278 8524 07. A list of members is available for inspection at any of our offices. We use the word "partner" to refer to a member of the LLP. All solicitors are subject to rules and principles of professional conduct. The SRA Standards and Regulation including our code of conduct can be found at SRA | SRA Standards and Regulations | Solicitors Regulation Authority
Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Privacy Policy for Employees Cookies Policy Complaints Policy