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Call For Tighter Will-Writing Laws

09/08/2010

Consumers must have greater protection in Will writing market, says KBL Solicitors.

Bolton based KBL Solicitors is calling for a level playing field in the Will writing market to ensure consumers have greater protection against inaccurate or poorly drafted Wills, as seen on the Panorama investigation into the unregulated Will writing industry last night.

Susan Hartley, Wills, Trust & Probate Associate at KBL says: "The Panorama investigation emphasises the severe risks to consumers in using unregulated, unqualified and uninsured Will writers. Unlike solicitors, will writers are not robustly regulated by law, nor are they thoroughly insured (if at all) to protect against errors.

"Solicitors are qualified to write Wills, their obligatory insurance cover means that the client's interests are protected and they are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Should anything go wrong the client and their estate are fully protected. Will writers cannot offer that protection or basic competence."

Last year, a study by the Law Society found that many solicitors were being passed botched wills that had been originally written by Will writers.

Susan says: "Until there is greater regulation and protection for consumers on Wills, the best possible option to the public is to use a solicitor."

For more information contact Susan Hartley, on 01204 527777.