Becoming a Will writer can be a rewarding career, helping individuals and families ensure that their estates are protected and their wishes carried out after their passing. However, it’s important to understand the unique responsibilities, challenges, and requirements that come with the role. At the time of writing, Will writing remains an unregulated profession in the UK. This presents both opportunities and risks, making it essential for aspiring Will writers to approach the profession with the right safeguards in place — such as professional training, insurance, and industry backing.
The Unregulated Nature of Will Writing
Since Will writing is currently unregulated, there is no official governing body or mandatory qualifications that you must have in order to practise. Anyone can technically call themselves a Will writer, which makes it especially important to stand out through expertise, professionalism, and adherence to best practices.
While regulation isn’t enforced, clients place a significant amount of trust in Will writers to handle sensitive and complex matters. A poorly drafted Will can lead to significant problems for clients’ families, from inheritance disputes to unnecessary tax liabilities. Without adequate training and legal knowledge, there is a risk of serious errors.
That’s why it’s important for Will writers to seek training from reputable sources and align themselves with industry-recognised self-regulatory bodies, which uphold standards of professionalism and client care.
Self-Regulatory Bodies for Will Writers
Although the profession is unregulated, there are self-regulatory bodies that work to ensure high standards in the industry. One of the most recognised is the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). Membership with STEP demonstrates that a Will writer has attained a high level of expertise in trust and estate planning. The TEP designation — which stands for Trust and Estate Practitioner — is a global mark of quality in this field.
At Prestige Legal Services, our team is led by Katie Hanson TEP, who is a fully qualified Trust and Estate Practitioner. This means that she is accredited by STEP and has demonstrated a deep understanding of the complexities involved in estate planning, inheritance tax, and Wills.
STEP sets rigorous standards for its members, and gaining the TEP qualification involves extensive training and examinations. This kind of accreditation not only reassures clients that they are dealing with a knowledgeable professional, but also helps Will writers build a career based on trust and integrity.
Legal Expertise Within Prestige Legal Services
While Katie Hanson TEP leads our team with her STEP accreditation, many other members of our team at Prestige Legal Services are also legally qualified. For example, Janine is a fully qualified solicitor with extensive experience in estate planning. This legal foundation ensures that the Wills we draft are comprehensive, legally sound, and tailored to each client’s unique circumstances.
The combination of legally qualified professionals and those with specialist accreditations like TEP ensures that our clients receive the best possible advice, whether it’s for writing a simple Will or navigating more complex estate issues.
The Importance of Professional Indemnity Insurance
One of the most crucial aspects of becoming a Will writer is obtaining professional indemnity insurance. Even the most skilled and experienced Will writers can make mistakes, and without the appropriate insurance, you could be held personally liable for any errors or omissions in the Wills you draft.
Professional indemnity insurance protects both you and your clients by covering the costs associated with any claims of negligence or mistakes. It is considered best practice — and, frankly, essential — for anyone offering Will writing services to have adequate insurance in place. This demonstrates professionalism and provides peace of mind to clients, knowing that they are financially protected should anything go wrong.
At Prestige Legal Services, all of our Will writers are fully insured, and we encourage anyone entering the profession to make insurance a top priority.
Backing from Experienced Professionals
Another key consideration for aspiring Will writers is having the backing of experienced professionals. While insurance offers financial protection, having access to a team of trained and knowledgeable colleagues can help prevent mistakes from happening in the first place.
At Prestige Legal Services, we pride ourselves on our collaborative approach. Our team is always on hand to support each other and our Associates, ensuring that every Will is drafted with care and precision. This network of support is invaluable for those new to the profession, as it helps them gain confidence and knowledge while offering clients the highest standard of service.
Is Will Writing the Right Career for You?
Will writing is an ideal career for individuals who are detail-oriented, empathetic, and passionate about helping others. It requires a strong understanding of legal concepts related to estates, property, and inheritance, as well as excellent communication skills to ensure that clients fully understand their options.
At Prestige Legal Services, we are always keen to support those looking to develop a career in Will writing. With the right training, insurance, and support from industry experts, you can build a successful career that makes a real difference in people’s lives.
Join Prestige Legal Services
If you’re interested in becoming a Will writer, or would like more information about our services and team, feel free to reach out to us at Prestige Legal Services. With the guidance of professionals like Katie Hanson TEP and Janine, we provide expert, legally sound estate planning services to Associates across England and Wales. We’re committed to maintaining the highest standards in Will writing and estate planning, ensuring that our clients receive the protection and peace of mind they deserve.