• Basic Wills from £125.00
    Basic Wills from £125.00
    Without a valid Last Will and Testament any assets you leave on death will be distributed according to the Rules of Intestacy. These rules lay down a rigid method of estate distribution and make no account of your wishes. Click the image to read more...
  • We realise that most people haven’t experienced probate before. Probate is the administration of a deceased’s Estate by the appointed “executors” in the Will, usually family members. At an already difficult and emotional time, the complexities of executing a Will and establishing any appropriate Trusts can be an arduous task. Click the image to the left to read more...
  • Inheritance Tax is simply a tax on money or possessions you leave behind when you pass on.It can also apply to some “gifts” you make during your lifetime. It is therefore vital that you receive professional Inheritance Tax Advice on your position to minimise the impact and tax paid should the worst happen, ensuring that your loved ones receive as much of your money as possible. Click the image to the left to read more...
  • Without a valid Last Will and Testament any assets you leave on death will be distributed according to the Rules of Intestacy. These rules lay down a rigid method of estate distribution and make no account of your wishes, unless you write a will. Click the image to the left to read more...
  • Lasting Powers of Attorney from £150
    Lasting Powers of Attorney from £150
    Often serious illness or accidents strike without warning. Last year, for example, approximately 130000 people suffered strokes. Without a Lasting Power of Attorney being available this is when it becomes difficult... Click the image to the left to read more...

Panorama TV programme masks real issues

Whilst we agree with the views expressed in this week’s Panorama programme, that a Will is one of the most important documents a person will ever write,its focus on problems experienced by a handful of people who had asked will writers to handle their probate matters masked the real issues people should be addressing.

David Dexter, an Associate of Collective Legal Solutions and a member of the Society of Will Writers said’ ‘As with most documentaries of this type the programme sought to suggest there is a major problem within the Will Writing industry by show casing half a dozen cases(actually concerning probate administration rather than will writing)only one of which was proven to be a fraudulent case’.

‘We work in an unregulated market not through choice but because successive governments have deemed it unnecessary to bring in regulation. However Collective Legal Solutions wholeheartedly support regulation and have established it’s business principle’s around a framework which makes for smooth transition into regulation.

The Society of Will Writers is supporting and working with the Legal Services Board in England to regulate bor at least licence will writers and is pressing for tighter regulation of probate and client funds.

The simple truth is that no amount of legislation will eliminate fraudulent behaviour in any industry. One of the Will Writers featured in the programme on Monday was ,as the Panorama reporter admitted,a struck off solicitor. The legal industry is clearly not immune to the type of issue highlighted in the programme.

What should have been highlighted was the need for consumers to ask the person dealing with them as to their experience, qualifications, insurance cover and membership of a professional organisation.

In any industry there will be the occasional bad apple but this should not cloud the key issue which, as Panorama itself highlighted at the opening, is that a Will is a vitally important document which is best handled by a professional whose skills are dedicated to will writing.