CMA Probes Unregulated Will Writers

Due to a rise in complaints and concerns over poor service, unfair costs and contract terms, the Competition and Markets Authority (“CMA”) have begun further investigations into legal services provided by unregulated Will Writers.

Key takeaways

• The Law Gazette recently published an article explaining the CMA will crack down on firms breaching consumer protection law
• There are circumstances where it is particularly advisable to use a Solicitor
• Unlike unqualified Will writers, our solicitors adhere to tight regulations

The Law Gazette recently published an article explaining the CMA will crack down on firms breaching consumer protection law when providing will-writing, divorce and pre-paid probate services.

The focus of this article was on the industry of unregulated “Will Writers and Probate Plans.” The CMA have announced a consumer enforcement investigation in these areas.

The Will-Writing concerns include misleading advertising over fees and potentially unfair contract terms. Pre-paid probate plans are a new development in the market. The major concern is that elderly and vulnerable people are being pressured into buying unnecessary or inadequate plans.

Read more on the Law Gazette article here: News focus: CMA probes will-writers | News | Law Gazette

Do I need a Solicitor when I make a Will?

It’s easy for mistakes to be made when drawing up a Will and these can affect the Will’s validity after your death. Therefore, it’s generally advisable to use a Solicitor or at the very least have a Solicitor check your Will.

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we are here to guide you through the process

Your Will is one of the most important documents you will write in your life, so it’s vital that you get it right, but don’t worry we are here to help you with Will Writing.

While using a Will-Writer may seem like the cheapest option, if there are misunderstandings and disputes after your death, this can result in substantial legal costs, reducing the amount of money left to be inherited.

There are circumstances when it is particularly advisable to use a solicitor, including:

• If you share a property with someone who you are not married to, or are in a registered civil partnership with.
• You have a child and/or spouse from a previous marriage who may also make a claim on the Will.
• You have a dependent who is unable to care for themselves and for whom you wish to make a provision.
• The UK is not your permanent home or you live here but have property overseas.
• You have a business.

Our Peace of Mind Package

Did you know that, with just three pre-prepared and carefully considered documents, you can organise your affairs now, so that your family avoids delay, stress and huge expense later on? Our Peace of Mind Package is designed to help you to prepare these vital three documents that will stand up to scrutiny.

You can find out more about our Peace of Mind Package here: OMM-Peace-of-Mind-Package.pdf (ommlaw.co.uk)

What do I need to prepare before I meet with a Solicitor?

To save time, when meeting with your Solicitor, give some thought to the major points you want included in your Will, such as:

• What’s included in your estate? List the following: property, savings, pensions, insurance policies, shares, family heirlooms, bank and building society accounts
• Who will benefit from your Will? List those you’d like to leave money or possessions to
• Do you wish to leave anything to charity?
• What will happen to any children under the age of 18 and who will look after them?
• Who will be the “Executor” of your Will, ensuring your wishes are carried out?

Our Service Pledge

At Osborne Morris & Morgan, you are our priority. We are committed to looking after you and your family, by ensuring that you receive the best possible service and outcome.

We take the time to understand your personal circumstances and work tirelessly to ensure your affairs are in order, so that you needn’t worry whether you are organised and prepared, now and later in life.

Our Service Pledge is our promise to you, and enables us to be proactive, so that we can deliver an excellent client experience for you. We are always transparent when it comes to costs.

How can we help

At Osborne Morris & Morgan, we understand the sensitivities and emotions that can arise when discussing or thinking about making a Will.

Unlike unqualified Will writers, our solicitors adhere to tight regulations and are trained in preparing Wills that stand up close to inspection.

Whether you’re looking to prepare a fixed-fee Will, need advice on inheritance tax planning, or are trying to deal with a Will and property after someone has died, our team are here to help.

Call us on 01525 378177 or email info@ommlaw.co.uk.