Goldsmith Williams backs LSB calls for Will writing regulations

Published: 20/02/2013

Goldsmith Williams is proud to support the Legal Services Board’s recommendation to the Lord Chancellor to regulate Will writing.

The recommendation follows a two-year investigation by the LSB including a series of mystery shopping exercises which found nearly 10 per cent of Wills produced by unregulated or unqualified Will writers would fail due to invalid execution.

At present there are no regulations in place when it comes to Will-writing and Estate Planning. This means anyone, professional or amateur, can market themselves as a Will-writer without technical qualifications, professional indemnity insurance or continuity arrangements.

Linda Cummins, Head of Wills and Probate at Goldsmith Williams echoes the LSB belief that regulating will writing will “give consumers better protection and consistent access to redress by allowing access to the Legal Ombudsman for consumers of all will writing providers”:

“For too long now many customers have unknowingly been playing a game of Russian roulette with their estate with loved ones left to pick up the pieces and often the bill.

“Will-writing and Estate Administration is a specialist area of law, one that requires expert advice from qualified and regulated professionals. Why risk placing the future financial wellbeing of your loved ones in the hands of an ill-equipped individual?”

Content correct at time of publication