A Non-Profit Making Self-Regulatory Organisation Whose Primary Objectives Are
The Advancement, Education and Ethical Standards Within The Will Writing Profession

PRESS RELEASE

CAN I GET A WILL FOR UNDER £20?

Probably - but it won't do what you either want or expect. And may cause more problems than you originally set out to solve!

When first deciding to make a Will, you need to be clear what you want to achieve - is saving inheritance tax or preservation of your main assets your priority? Either of these scenarios will require complex trusts to be included in your Will - so don't expect these twenty quid Wills to solve this problem.

For such complex Wills you should expect to pay several hundred pounds, and for good reason, a joint estate worth in the region of £500,000, without proper planning, can expect to pay an extra £98,000 in inheritance tax at the current 2003/04 nil rate allowance.

If you are still tempted by the prospect of paying £20, then you could take some simple precautions:

1. Check if they are a member of any recognised trade body - The Society of Will Writers has a free phone number for you to check on their members, and all members carry a membership card.
2. If they are not a member, you may contact your local Trading Standards office to see if they have any comment on the company.
3. Get a clear quote, preferably in writing, in advance of the meeting.
4. Check to see if they carry Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII), if necessary ask to see a copy - a reputable company will not refuse.
5. If possible, ask for details of other clients in your area you could contact.

Some DIY packages, available from stationers claim to help in saving IHT, from what we have seen most recommend that you give the maximum (currently £255,000 2003/04) on first death direct to the children - wise is the man that can foresee the future!

Do not be afraid to ask these questions and any others you may feel are relevant, reputable companies who have nothing to hide, will be only too pleased to answer you.

For more information please contact:
The Society of WillWriters free on 0800 838270 or visit our web site at www.willwriters.com

Notes to editors:
The Society of WillWriters, established in 1994 and registered as a non-profit making organisation, is the UK's leading self-regulatory body representing the WillWriting profession. The Society offers free help and advice to the general public on matters of the law in relation to succession and through its nationwide network of members offers home-visit services and professional advice.