Wills, Trusts & Estates News

Would you entrust your legal affairs to unregulated companies? Sion Roberts

A recently published report concludes that a lack of formal regulation for large amounts of legal work means that the public could be exposed to incompetent, negligent or even fraudulent advice in relation to a broad range of legal services.

In light of proposed changes to legislation which are due to come into force over the next couple of years as a result of the Legal Services Act 2007, the Law Society commissioned a report by Lord Hunt of Wirral. Among other things, the Act is set to pave the way for large non legal organisations such as supermarkets and other high street companies to provide legal services and advice to their customers.

A simple search of the internet already provides many results for "will writers" and "probate specialists" offering to take care of your legal work for a purported fraction of the costs charged by solicitors.

Lord Hunt notes in his report that such an arrangement is often not as straightforward as it seems. He says "Simple mistakes made by unregulated supposedly cheap providers can lead to unjust outcomes and those outcomes will often occur a long time after the will has been written".

The practical effect of such errors could mean that the wishes of the person making the will would not be fulfilled, and that potentially expensive, lengthy, stressful and possibly unsuccessful litigation action would have to be taken in an attempt to rectify any errors.

Additionally, important advice in relation to inheritance tax planning matters could also be missed, leaving an estate liable to pay substantial and potentially avoidable inheritance tax bills.

At Lees Solicitors LLP we have a specialist team of solicitors and other legal professionals located in three offices across the Wirral who are suitably qualified to provide comprehensive professional advice in all matters relating to Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Inheritance Tax planning matters.

Appointments can be arranged to discuss matters at a location which suits you best. Our main office is based at Hamilton Square in Birkenhead; supported by Telegraph Road, Heswall; and Grange Road, West Kirby. Home visits can also be arranged but would be subject to an additional charge.

If you would like to arrange an appointment to discuss making a will, or would like to review an existing will then please contact our expert team on:

Birkenhead 0151 647 9381
Heswall 0151 342 6273
West Kirby 0151 625 9364

Sion Roberts

This article provides a summary of a recent case/change in law/news item. It is intended for general information purposes only and is not to be relied upon. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be treated under any circumstances as a substitute for legal advice. Lees Solicitors LLP does not accept any responsibility for any loss that may arise from reliance upon the information contained within this article. The copyright in this article is owned by Lees Solicitors LLP and permission must be sought before reproduction or publishing.

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