The eagle eyed amongst us will have seen an article in the Daily Mirror on the 6th May 2010 headed “RIP Dodgy Will Makers.” The article warned the readers of the exploits of a will writing firm who were allegedly stealing from their clients by diverting funds from beneficiaries to their own benefit. The firm known as “Will Writers of Distinction” were said to be distinctive only by virtue of their dishonesty.
The Director David Nash had never written a will before. He and his company secretary Nicholas Butcher admitted counts of fraudulent trading on dates between 2003 and 2008.
Not all will writers are dishonest. This practice does business with some very reputable companies who write wills. What it does tell us is that if you are going to use a will writer make sure that it is one who has been recommended. Better still use a solicitor. Solicitors have to carry insurance against letting clients down. Also they have the benefit of a fund run by the Law Society that will compensate in circumstances where there has been fraud. It may be a little cheaper using a will writer but in the long run it could be an expensive exercise.