Why choosing an IPW-affiliated Will Writer matters for your peace of mind

When it comes to planning for the future, writing a Will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are respected.

However, many people are surprised to learn that Will writing is not a regulated profession in the UK. This means that anyone can set up a business and call themselves a Will writer, regardless of their training, experience, or ethical standards.

So, how can you be sure that the professional you trust with your estate planning is competent, reliable, and working in your best interests? The answer lies in choosing a firm that is affiliated with the Institute of Professional Willwriters (IPW).

At The Taylor Lucas Partnership, we are proud to align ourselves with the rigorous standards set by the IPW. Here is what that affiliation means for you, and why it is the gold standard for consumer protection in the Will writing industry.

What is the Institute of Professional Willwriters?

Founded in 1991, the Institute of Professional Will writers was established as a self-regulatory body to safeguard the public from unqualified practitioners and unethical business practices. Over the past three decades, it has become the recognised professional body regulating and promoting the profession of Will writing across England & Wales.

The IPW ensures that its members do not just write Wills, but that they do so with the highest level of legal competence, ethical integrity, and consumer care.

The Benefits of Using an IPW Member

When you choose an IPW-affiliated firm like The Taylor Lucas Partnership, you are choosing a service backed by strict regulatory oversight. Here are the key benefits and protections you receive:

1. Guaranteed Competence and Qualifications

Unlike unregulated practitioners, IPW members cannot simply pay a fee to join. Every member must prove their competence by passing a rigorous entrance examination. Furthermore, members are required to undertake regular Continuous Professional Development (CPD) training every year to ensure their legal knowledge remains completely up to date with changing laws and tax regulations.

2. A Trading Standards Approved Code of Practice

The IPW operates under a robust Code of Practice that is strictly approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI). This means that the processes, transparency, and customer service standards of IPW members have been vetted and endorsed by one of the UK’s leading consumer protection bodies. You can trust that there will be no high-pressure sales tactics, hidden fees, or unethical practices.

3. Comprehensive Insurance Protection

Mistakes in a Will can be incredibly costly to rectify after a person has passed away. To protect consumers against this risk, all IPW members are required by the Institute to hold at least £2 million in Professional Indemnity Insurance, alongside a minimum of £1 million in Public Liability Insurance. This ensures that, in the highly unlikely event that something goes wrong, you and your beneficiaries are fully financially protected.

4. Mandatory Background Checks

Trust is paramount when discussing your family, your finances, and your final wishes. To ensure consumer safety, the IPW mandates that all members must undergo and pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before they can be admitted to the Institute.

5. Clear Pricing and Transparent Service

Under the IPW Code of Practice, members are required to be completely transparent about their fees. When you work with an IPW member, you will typically be offered a fixed fee for the services you require, meaning you will know exactly what you are paying before any work begins. There are no hidden surprises or escalating hourly rates.

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Complete Peace of Mind with Taylor Lucas

Writing a Will is not just a legal transaction; it is a deeply personal process that requires care, expertise, and absolute trust. By choosing a firm that adheres to the standards of the Institute of Professional Willwriters, you are taking the guesswork out of estate planning. You are guaranteeing that your Will is legally sound, your estate is protected, and your family will not be left dealing with the fallout of an unregulated, poorly drafted document.

At The Taylor Lucas Partnership, our commitment to the IPW standards reflects our commitment to you. If you are ready to start planning your future with a team you can trust, get in touch with us today to arrange a consultation.

References

Institute of Professional Willwriters. "Safeguarding the Public since 1991." Available at: https://www.ipw.org.uk 

Institute of Professional Willwriters. "Using and Reviewing an IPW Member." Available at: https://www.ipw.org.uk/overview/using-and-reviewing-an-ipw-member.aspx