Martin Tolhurst

RIP Off

Martin Tolhurst has called for greater regulation of the Will-writers to match that of solicitors after BBC Panorama's Wills: The Final Rip Off? revealed the risks of using Will writers. High costs, poor or inaccurate Wills were revealed by Panorama in August.

Simon Franklin, Managing Partner of the Wills and Probate team at Martin Tolhurst says:

"The Panorama investigation emphasises a problem Martin Tolhurst has been highlighting for some time that there are severe risks to consumers in using unregulated, unqualified and uninsured Will writers. Unlike solicitors, Will writers are not regulated by law, nor are they thoroughly insured (if at all) to protect against errors. The Public needs greater protection.

"Solicitors are qualified to write Wills, their professional insurance cover means that the client's interests are protected and they are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Should anything go wrong the client and their estate are fully protected. Will writers cannot offer that protection or basic competence."

Simon Franklin continues: "Until there is greater regulation and protection for consumers on Wills, the best possible option to the public is to use a solicitor. Moves by some Will writing organisations to impose a code of practice on their members is a small step in the right direction, but until there is an equal level of protection to clients irrespective of whether they are a solicitor or a Will writer, the public remain exposed to the risks highlighted on Panorama by some Will writers. We look to the consumer bodies to support in our drive for better consumer protection."

Richard Carter, Managing Partner at Martin Tolhurst, is writing to Edward Davey, MP for Consumer Affairs, about what he feels is a scandal.

If you would like to speak to a qualified professional regarding your Will then please call Simon Franklin at Martin Tolhurst on 01474 325531.