Will writing, astonishingly, is not classed as a reserved activity and does not need to be regulated by the Law Society. There isn’t even a requirement for insurance. This means that anyone can start a Will writing business and can charge a tiny amount for drafting services. However, what you won’t get is protection, legal experience and suitable advice about what should be in your Will. Estate Planning, Will drafting and subsequent probate/estate administration is a complex area of law. Anyone can draft a 'valid' Will, with some help from the internet, but behind a professionally drafted Will you get the advise that can mean the difference between tax and no tax, or gifts failing.
I am a qualified solicitor and therefore do bring with me the legal training and experience to help you make the right decisions. I am able to charge significantly less than traditional law firms because I do not need to pay for regulation by the SRA. I am in the process however of becoming a full Member of the Society of Will Writers who do regulate the profession of Will writing for those who wish to follow their Code of Conduct. I am also fully insured for professional indemnity. You are in safe hands, and paying a reasonable rate - drafting your Will and LPA through me means you do not need to help subsidise the costs of higher risk activities that regulated law firms carry out. However you are also not taking the risk of creating an invalid or inadequate Will as you may be when drafting your own or using form generated Wills.
