At the turn of the year The Will Writing Company of Nottingham withdrew its application to be registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority, the solicitors’ regulatory body. Although the company was one of the more successful will writing companies, lasting for some 28 years, it has now gone into insolvency. If your will was prepared by this company it may now be held by Deedbank, a company with directors from the same family, who advertise storage charges of £4.95 a month.

Companies House records show many such incorporated will writers are now dissolved and quickly forgotten. This could be disastrous if an original will, or a copy of a lost, revoked or accidentally destroyed will is required from a will writer after the death of the testator who signed the will.

Choosing a will writer can be influenced by price or advertising as will writers and estate planners often “mail shot” potential clients: solicitors are not permitted to do this. If you are thinking of using such a business, do check their employees’ qualifications, how long they keep their records and the cost of storing your documents.

We can come visit you at your home to discuss your needs, or arrange an appointment at any of our offices. Contact our qualified private client team on 01425 610078 or 01590 689500. We do not charge for storing our Clients’ wills & other valuable documents.