Legal Services Board calls for further regulations

19 March 2013

Making a Will is one of the most important things you will do in your lifetime, to provide certainty for those left behind to know what you wanted them to do. In order for it to be of maximum assistance to your loved ones, it must be written in a way that is clear and able to be carried out.

The call for further regulation comes from the Legal Services Board, who have announced proposals to ensure those providing will-writing and estate administration services are regulated to protect their clients. This element of protection is important, as without this regulation consumers may choose to prepare Wills themselves, not knowing whether legally what they want to happen, can take place.

Will-writers are not subject to any regulation processes at present, whereas solicitors are which provides some reassurance for their clients. However, the new regulations will cover anyone preparing Wills to ensure that anyone not listening to clients or drafting Wills in a careful manner will be discovered, thereby providing the maximum protection possible.

The recommendations now must go through a consultation stage and be subject to government considerations. In the event the recommendations are accepted, better regulation may become enforceable within two years.

Please contact us on 01245 493939 for further information or email privateclient@gepp.co.uk

The above is not legal advice; it is intended to provide information of general interest about current legal issues.