Charities to advise Legal Services Consumer Panel on will-writing

The Legal Services Consumer Panel is to receive advice from charities on the subject of will-writing, as part of ongoing consultation over the future regulation of the industry.

Panel manager Steve Brooker told Third Sector: "Charities may also be involved in providing will-writing services and regulation could affect their ability to do this."

Many donation-reliant organisations receive substantial amounts of money from individuals who bequeath them money through will-writing, so may have varying opinions on the proper handling of testament and probate issues.

Views will be taken by the Legal Services Consumer Panel from September 22nd and will be taken into consideration alongside those of experts such as lawyers and businesses.

A number of third sector groups, such as cancer care specialist Marie Curie, are already involved in helping individuals draw up their testament.

Such charities may be in favour of further regulation for will-writing professionals, as it could give individuals assurance their wishes will be carried out.