Skip to Content

Will reforms recommended.


The Legal ombudsman has called on the government to reform the regulations on Wills to stop people from being ripped off.

Millions of Wills are written or amended each year and it is estimated that almost 200,000 wills are produced by those exempt from any complaints organisation, the legal Ombudsman has urged the government to extend their jurisdiction to encompass those presently not regulated.

The consensus is that there is defiantly room for improvement, it should be a rite for all those making a Will that their affairs and wishes are handled and complied with in the way intended.

But there seems to be a disagreement with the way the improvements are put in place, with the Legal Services Board not convinced that the best way forward is to increase the remit of the regulatory organisation, and it intends to explore other options first, which would include better guidance and use of existing consumer protection Laws.

The Ombudsman helped with more than one thousand complains relating to Will and probate issues last year, so you can see how important it is to ensure that all consumers have protection, including protection when using an organisation that is not policed by an ombudsman, the most common complains are regarding fees, compliance with instructions and delays.

As the problem exists we feel it is the duty of the Legal Services Board to provide a solution, one would be for non regulated bodies to opt in to the ombudsman scheme, which has been suggested, this however does not solve the problem for those still outside the scheme and without regulation, we would like to see membership mandatory or improved clarity on the recourse available for clients via consumer regulations.

Image Description
related news
recent articles
Probate Fees

Changes in probate fees.
From May 2017 probate fees are set to d..

link

Probate Fees

Changes in probate fees.
From May 2017 probate fees are set to dramatically increase.
The new fees are based on the size of the estate and are in addition to..

Trusts Guide

Many people use a trust to reduce inheritance tax, if you put an asset into a trust you no longer own it, so depending on when you die your beneficiaries may no..

Intestate

If someone has died intestate you may need a probate solicitor to help deal with the estate, this guide helps explain the steps needed...

Trusts Guide

Many people use a trust to reduce inheritance tax, if you put an..

link

Lasting Power of Attorney

Guide to Lasting Powers of Attorney.- If you are looking to appoint a solicitor to arrange a Power of Attorney this guide can help you understand how they work...

Protecting your on-line memories

Protecting your on-line memories - In a recent survey over 2,000 people were asked what they think happens to digital images on Facebook if a user passes away,..

Transferring personal allowances.

Transferring personal allowances for Inheritance Tax - understand your rights on IHT planning...

Protecting your on-line memories

Protecting your on-line memories - In a recent survey over 2,000..

link

Appointing a Solicitor

Guide to some of the factors people use when appointing a Solicitor...

Contentious Probate

Contentious Probate Guide, talking to a solicitor can help you understand your rights if probate is contested...

Image Description
Is there anything wrong with this page? - any amendments will receive accreditation - email us

Solicitors.com are not a firm of solicitors, and any content on the site should not be used in substitute for obtaining Legal advice from a solicitor regulated in the UK, Solicitors.com recommends that you contact a firm of solicitors to discuss your individual legal requirement. Whilst we strive to bring you accurate up to date content, all content on this site is not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct. Use of this site does not create a client relationship.

Information by area of law
Back to top