Consumers ‘blind to will writing dangers’

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Consumers ‘blind to will writing dangers’

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Over 60% of the public believe that all willwriters are solicitors, a study by the Fellowship of Professional Willwriters and Probate Practitioners has revealed.

The study of more than 1,000 UK residents showed an alarming naivety spreading through the public. Many solicitors specialise in wills and probate, but it is not the case that all willwriters have a legal background, and the Fellowship claims consumers need to be aware of the dangers when drafting their wills.

Martin Tolhurst have a dedicated Wills and Probate team who are experienced Solicitors in their field. If you would like to speak to a qualified member of the team to discuss your will then please call Emma Mower on free phone 0800 0271 452.

"It is quite alarming that the majority of the people we asked thought all willwriters were solicitors, especially as there are many willwriters out there who hold no training or any type of qualification. People need to check the background of the person who is dealing with their will to avoid difficulties for their family and loved ones later," warned Rita Leat, President of the Fellowship.

Whilst the will writing industry remains unregulated, anyone can set themselves up in the business of will writing, regardless of the lack of experience and qualifications they may have or, indeed, their suitability to be entering consumers' homes offering their services.

The Fellowship's announcement came just days before a test case was launched in the High Court challenging the role of willwriters in dealing with estates.

David Khan is taking legal action against a London-based firm over the fees charged to thousands of bereaved relatives each year by writers who act as executor of a will.

The firm was appointed executor of Mr Khan's late stepfather's estate but is refusing to relinquish its role. Mr Khan wished to appoint his own solicitors to administer the estate after claiming the firm will charge twice as much as the standard market rate for its role.

The case will be heard in front of the High Court this week.