Legal professionals 'should be used' when writing a will

People thinking of writing a will should only consult legal services firms to ensure the job is done properly, rather than one of the many will-writing micro-business springing up, one solicitor has claimed.

Anderw Way, is a partner at Latimer Hinks Solicitors, of Darlington, County Durham, told the Sunday Sun that it could be a big risk to use companies instead of legal professionals, even though the will writing industry is unregulated.

He explained that the elderly in particular can be targeted by unaccredited salesmen, falsely claiming to be qualified in this area, who have been known to carry out will writing and are also not audited to deal with confidentiality requirements.

"Families should be aware of those companies which are not regulated, unlike solicitors and legal executives, who have relevant qualifications and undergo continual training," Mr Weir told the newspaper.

The advice was recently echoed by Toby Harris, from Toby Harris Tax Consultants and The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, who said that people should make sure that they look for professional advice from someone who often includes will writing in their regular work.

Published by Phil Hammond