Beware! Not all willwriters are the same. Many are unqualified, uninsured and unregulated.

You should insist on a Member of the Institute of Professional Willwriters for your own protection, and that of your loved ones. Look for the symbol.

All members of the IPW:

• have passed a written examination to prove their knowledge and expertise.
• must operate within a strict Code of Conduct. Any member in contravention of these rules is subject to disciplinary proceedings which can result in expulsion from the Institute.
• have Professional Indemnity Insurance to £2 million. Nothing should go wrong but, if it does, you know that your beneficiaries will be compensated.
• must undertake regular refresher training to ensure that they keep up-to-date with changes in the law and practice.
• provide a first-class, honest and ethical service at a reasonable cost, and provide details of their fees in advance so that there are no nasty surprises.

Making a will is essential if you are to ensure that as much as possible of your wealth benefits those whom you choose, and is not taken by taxation, unnecessary legal costs and beneficiaries chosen by the law.

It is important that you consult someone who is trained, qualified, regulated and insured for this purpose. The law does not require these high standards, but the IPW does.