The truth of the matter is that you don't know what you don't know... and Wills are a very complex legal matter so it’s more important that you know how to pick a will writer/solicitor.

When it comes to estate planning and writing your Will, it might be the first time you've ever done it and you don't need to know everything. Simply choose someone who does...

In this short article, we’re going to share some simple tips to help you choose your will writer or solicitor.

So... How do you find that firm?

Reviews are the best place to start looking. You'll see what real people think about the will writers in question. Check Google, check TrustPilot and check Facebook. A simple search engine search will make it clear whether the firm has happy clients or unhappy ones. No reviews could signify a new business.

While you’re doing your research, think about the following:

Look at GlassDoor. GlassDoor will give a view as to what people who have worked for these firms think about them. Often salty employees give a view on their time with the firm. If they don’t appear on here but have been trading a while, this could be a good sign.

Look on Companies House. Look at how long they have been trading and whether they seem to have run (and perhaps closed) a lot of companies. The latter is obviously more important.

Consider whether the practitioners hold themselves accountable. Are they members of any organisations that uphold consumer trust? When it comes to Wills, look for members of the BEST Foundation, The Society of Will Writers or The Institute of Professional Will Writers. Perhaps ask the bodies whether they have had complaints about their service and what protection you’re afforded by them being a member.

Then, speak to the firm. See what they're like and if you feel comfortable. Then, book a free consultation. At NO point are you committed. Then, when you're ready and happy, give them the go-ahead.

What not to do..

Don’t be focused purely on price. Cheap products are normally a signal of a firm involved in a race to the bottom. It could be a signal that the business won’t be around in 5, 10 or even 15 years’ time. Whilst you don’t want to overpay for Wills, a good firm will NEVER overcharge, will always only advise what they believe you need and will support you and spend more time with you than these cheap providers.

Don’t just sign up on the basis that a firm tells you they have credentials - ask for proof.

Don’t pay for products like pre-paid probate (which promise a future service for an up-front fee) unless they are guaranteed. We’re happy to answer questions around this one because it can be a bit of a grey area.

Finally, and to put the above information into context, here is a bit of information about our firm. We’ll keep it concise:

We have been trading for over 20 years.

We hold professional indemnity insurance. This protects you should something go wrong. It hasn’t yet. It’s also a mandatory requirement of our membership to the Society of Will Writers.

We are members of the Society of Will Writers and have been for years. We have had no complaints and we adhere to their code of practice. Our founder Phil Pamment has also sat on the SWW’s Executive Council.

We are also members of the BEST Foundation. Phil is on the BEST’s advisory board.

We have countless 5-star Google reviews. Even our 4-star review (when asked for feedback) told us that our service was great.

We offer free consultations and will provide advice about the best way to proceed. We also clearly indicate pricing before you decide to proceed.

We have a shop front in Tyldesley and cover the North West. We also offer telephone and video calls so we can service clients anywhere across England and Wales.

Our founder Phil is STEP qualified.

We have supported thousands of clients and are trusted by some very well-known businesses to look after their clients.

We have been featured on Rip-Off Britain as a trusted adviser helping to impart knowledge.

If you’re in any doubt about a service provider, don’t go ahead. Seek clarification and make sure you feel comfortable. Any questions, feel free to reach out to us.

Will writer or solicitor | Will Writing | Solicitor Manchester | Will writer Manchester Tydesley