The Society of Will Writers is a non-profit body, set up to protect you the public and the professionals working within the field. The aims of the society are to raise awareness of the importance of valid wills as legal documents and to act as the regulatory body for professional will writing.
How do you become a member?
There are stringent membership requirements including passing a comprehensive vetting process according to proficiency standards and continued on-going training.
Benefits of hiring a member of the Society of Will Writers
Asking if your will writer is a member of the society enables you to check that they’re a trained professional in their field.
Compliance: If a member is found by the Society not to comply with any of the following, their membership will be terminated. Complaints can be raised with the society by you the client and will be investigated and acted upon accordingly.
Peace of mind: Members are bound by The Society’s code of conduct and disciplinary and complaints procedures. The society won’t normally investigate complaints about non-members, nor if the complaint wasn’t directed to the member in the first instance. All complaints must be in writing.
Clear pricing: Members are obliged to provide an official quotation of the price to be paid for the preparation of your will(s) before proceeding with the service.
Clear timescales: Members are required to advise you as to how long it will take for them to prepare your will(s) in draft and/or final form. If there is any reason for delays, they’re obliged to make you aware of this in advance of the original date provided.
Security: All our members are required to carry Professional Indemnity Insurance. If you change your mind, you’re entitled to a refund of any money paid for your will(s), so long as you haven’t received a copy of your will(s) in either draft or final form. In the latter case, refunds are provided at the discretion of the member. If a complaint is raised with the Society and the member is found to be at fault, the society will manage the process of obtaining a refund for you.
Privacy: Members are expected to maintain strict client confidentiality.
How do I check if my will writer is a member?
The sets of Designatory Letters awarded by the Society include: Cmpn.SWW, FSWW, ASWW and MSWW and Affiliated Membership (Aff.SWW). Look out for these on their business card.
IMC Director, Andrew Jackson (SWWEPP) specialises in Wills and Estate Planning and is a proud member of the Society of Will Writing. Supported by Will Adviser, David Whiffin (SWWEPP), the two make up a friendly and approachable team of will experts. Get in touch with David for help and guidance on writing your will via davidw@imcfs.co.uk or 020 8392 6132 today.