Island Life Magazine Ltd August/September 2015 | Page 147

ISLAND LIFE MAGAZINE

Terence
Willey & Co
Terence Willey: 01983 875859
Mark Willey: 01983 611888
www.terencewilley.co.uk

Best practice for Wills
I

n an age of increasing Wills Service
Providers and Regulators the
preparation and completion of
Wills still does not remain a reserved
service. This effectively means that such
services can be provided from all sorts
of sources and many who report to be
“the best”. A recent Legal Ombudsman
report highlighted specific areas where
improvement is required and those
practicing in this area are recommended
to note the advice so given.
Will writing is still an unregulated
activity, but the consumer should take
care in ensuring that they seek the advice
and guidance of those experienced
and qualified in this area. Having
been involved in the preparation and
completion of Wills for almost fifty
years now it is interesting to see how
this service has evolved. Some of the
key conclusions and advice from the
Ombudsman was to avoid misleading

promotions and marketing and being
clear about potential costs and time
frames for completing the work coupled
with an explanation of the limits of roles
and responsibilities.
The report goes on to say that the
client should be made absolutely clear
as to costs at the start and be advised
under what scenario costs may increase.
Where professional executors are
appointed as trustees it is advisable
to establish and agree the potential
administration costs before completing
a Will. Computerised Will packages
are available and often used by Wi