Making a Will is so important. This essential legal document helps to secure the future for your family. Without a Will you lose the chance to choose who inherits everything you've saved and earned.

Did you know anyone can call themself a Will writer or Estate Planner?

Will writing is not regulated like other legal and financial services, so take care when choosing a firm to write your Will.

We suggest:

1. Ask to see evidence of your consultant’s qualifications. A professional won’t be offended. They’ll be impressed you asked.

2. Check the firm is voluntarily regulated by STEP, the Institute of Professional Willwriters or the Society of Will Writers. A quick Google search will take you to these professional body websites where you can find a local member. If you approach a traditional legal practice regulated by the SRA, check that the person you’re dealing with is a Will writing specialist.

3. Ask to see a copy of their professional indemnity insurance. You’ll find a copy of our certificate in the footer of each page on our website. We have £2million PI cover and £5m public liability insurance.

4. Check the Google business listing. Genuine firms will have an online presence and this will have been validated and verified.

5. Ask who will be drafting your legal documents. Many estate planning firms employ sales people who take instructions but don’t have the legal knowledge, experience or skill to draft your Will - this may be subcontracted to a larger firm, or they may use a software tool. Ask for a detailed explanation of each clause of your Will so you have peace of mind it accurately reflects your wishes.

6. Read client feedback and testimonials.

7. Ask your financial adviser, your family and friends for a recommendation. There’s nothing better than a referral from someone with recent experience. If your friend was delighted with the service they received, chances are you will be too!

What is STEP?

The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, known as STEP, is the global professional association for practitioners who specialise in family inheritance and succession planning. STEP works to improve public understanding of the issues families face in this area and promotes education and high professional standards among its members.  STEP members help families plan for their futures, from drafting a Will to advising on issues concerning protection of the vulnerable, family businesses and philanthropic giving.

All STEP members are expected to abide by the STEP Code of Professional Conduct, which sets out the key ethical and professional standards they should uphold. STEP has a clear disciplinary process for investigating any potential breaches of the Code of Professional Conduct.

STEP members are from a variety of professions including accountancy, banking, financial advice, law, tax advice and trust administration, and 38% of all members are based in the UK and Ireland.

Carisma Wills Principal, Donna Hames, is proud to have been accepted as an affiliate member of STEP in 2017.  Donna notes,

“The training opportunities, regular updates on relevant case law and expert interpretation and the kudos of being a STEP affiliate member are all valid reasons for renewing my membership each year. Only those with relevant legal qualifications and estate planning experience can be an affiliate member, and I had to be sponsored by an existing member before being accepted.” 

Donna explains,

“We have made a conscious decision to be a modern legal practice and the Carisma Wills team are all Estate Planning Consultants, with relevant training and qualifications. We are specialists in private client work, not legal generalists. Everything we do, from the way we market our firm, our website and the way our team work, represents our style and approach to providing affordable, straightforward legal advice. For reserved activities (including the drafting of deeds, conveyancing and grants of probate) we have chosen 3 trusted business partners, who have the required permissions. We also work closely with key financial professionals who are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and our due diligence processes ensure that our clients receive competent, qualified advice from modern firms that share our customer-focussed ethos.”

Carisma Wills is also a full member of the Institute of Professional Willwriters and complies with the IPW Code of Practice, which is compatible with the STEP Code of Professional Conduct.

Find out more about the work of STEP and its members here.

How do I start?

Every Carisma Wills consultant has comprehensive estate planning knowledge and experience, and has passed the Institute of Professional Willwriters’ exam to demonstrate their expertise. They will guide you through the process of making your Will without fuss and unnecessary legal jargon.

Get in touch here.