The Importance of Using a Solicitor to Prepare a Will or assist with Probate - Competition and Markets Authority Investigate Online Will drafting and pre-paid Probate Plans.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) have launched an investigation into online divorces, pre-paid probate plans and will drafting services which are provided by companies that are not solicitors.

As reported by the BBC, complaints about these services not being provided by solicitors “involve reports of vulnerable customers being subjected to pressure selling and coercion.”

The CMA are investigating reports that some will writing companies offer extremely low initial fees for advice without warning clients how costs can escalate quickly. Some companies also include contractual terms which automatically appoint themselves as executors, at a cost to the estate when the client passes away.

There are also concerns that where a company ceases to operate, client money and important documents, including wills, are lost.  On the other hand law firms are insured to cover for such events and in the event of solicitors firms ceasing to operate client documents must be transferred to the clients or another firm.

Preparing a will using regulated solicitors such as George Green LLP can provide certainty for clients and families that the Will has been drafted by legal professionals with a wealth of expertise.

The Private Client team at George Green advise on a variety of types of will to meet each client’s individual needs and circumstances, such as straightforward mirror Wills for couples and more complex Wills with trusts and inheritance tax planning.

If you or a family member or friend would like to enquire about making a will or require advice in connection with an existing Will then please get in touch with our Private Client team on 01384 410 410 or complete our online enquiry form.