Friday 27 April 2012

Proposals to regulate all providers of will-writing and estate administration came a step closer this week as the Legal Services Board confirmed plans to make the services “reserved activities”.

Under proposals published today, designed to provide greater consumer protection, all providers of such services would be regulated.  According to the proposals, LSB investigations found “systemic problems” with services delivered by some current providers.  It found “consistent patterns of sloppiness, simple errors and poor communication”, which often resulted in an “unacceptable service”.

In addition it found that too often consumers were subjected to unfair sales practices, fraud and deception.

LSB chair David Edmonds said: “Making a will is something everyone should do.  It is one of the most important actions that individuals take.  We all should have a high degree of confidence in those entrusted with the task of writing our wills, advising us on the most appropriate actions, and ensuring that our wishes are carried out”.

Ridley & Hall welcomes the LSB’s decision as great news for consumers.  Speaking this week, Susan Cash, head of the firm’s private client department, said “We support this move by the LSB.  It should improve standards and provide additional protection for consumers at particularly vulnerable times in their lives.  There is currently a lack of clarity for consumers about which services are regulated.  We find that families are often surprised to learn that anyone can hold themselves out as a will writer, and that frequently there is no redress when things go wrong.  Solicitors, on the other hand, are fully regulated and qualified and insured.”

For more information please contact Susan Cash, Head of Wills & Probate at Ridley & Hall Solicitors on: 01484 538421