Public should not use 'cowboy' will writing services

The general public have been told to only use a professional will writing service when it comes to mapping out the future of their possessions, estate and finances.

Keith Johnston, director of philanthropy at the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, said that at the moment anyone can take money and claim to be an expert in will writing.

However, this leads to too many mistakes, which could then lead to the will being invalid or not serving the correct purpose.

Mr Johnston went on to say: "Drafting the will is only a tiny part of the process and its knowing the right questions to ask and what the law and the courts say that really matters.

"The public need to be protected from cowboys and anyone holding themselves out to be an expert should be properly qualified and have proper insurance to protect their clients from harm," he added.

When writing a will it is important to think about what property and possessions a person owns and also who the beneficiaries are going to be.

Published by Rob Stanworth