Becoming a Will Writer or Estate Planning Consultant can be an incredibly rewarding role. As well as providing important legal documents for your clients you are also providing them with peace of mind that their wishes have been recorded and will be carried out after they pass away. The idea of running your own business can be an attractive proposition. Many are attracted to being able to work hours to suit family commitments and being able to work from home.
Whilst their are no formal qualifications necessary to become a Will Writer and even though anyone could write their own Will, we do not advise it unless properly trained. With ever more complex family scenarios, the chances of estates becoming contentious and the need to plan for all sorts of eventualities, it is wise to consult with a professional.
The term professional, whilst not mentioned in the title of this article, is incredibly important. Some of you may have seen an advert for a German car where the manufacturer highlighted the choices you have when purchasing. The advert showed a child and their father. The father was taking his son for a shark diving experience. One of the two providers was decidedly questionable with seemingly faulty equipment whilst the other was perfect. It was asking whether you would you opt for clearly inadequate protection from someone on the grounds that they were significantly cheaper when you could pay more and get a better experience. Transferring this to our industry it is well worth putting yourself in the same shoes and considering whether you would choose someone who adheres to a recognised code of practice, has to hold professional indemnity insurance and is accountable or whether you chose an entirely unregulated provider with no guarantees of competency or protection.
Sounds like an easy choice right? Now it’s time to look a little deeper.
Will Writers have a couple of primary costs associated with the production of Wills. These are drafting software and professional indemnity insurance. The insurance covers you for the documents you are producing and should be in force permanently and continuously after you’ve drafted the documents. The software, whilst not essential, gives you the tools you need to be able to draft documents as quickly and easily as possible. Good providers like the SWW’s Sure Will Writer – Professional Will Suite can give additional support when drafting documents to give you peace of mind as a drafter.
Another cost associated with becoming a professional Will writer is membership to an organisation such as ourselves. The SWW exist to support our members as well as to provide a framework of self-regulation which members are required to adhere to. When you break down the SWW membership fee it costs only £0.82 per day, that’s less than a cup of coffee. The benefits of membership include technical support, assistance and access to products and services that you wouldn’t ordinarily be able to access if you weren’t a member.
One of the first things you should look at is the level of knowledge needed to practice as a Will writer. The College of Will Writing is a key training provider for those looking to join the industry or expand their knowledge. The most popular course offered is the SWWEPP course and is incredibly cost effective.
If you’re now thinking that SWW membership, the costs of becoming a Will writer and training make this an even more exciting proposition then why not give us a call to discuss this in greater detail. 01522 687 888.
83 comments
Dale Gallagher
5th September 2018 at 9:14 pm
H,
I have recently completed a Law degree finishing with a 2:1 honours degree through the university of south wales. I have taken up full time employment in a sales & purchasing manager role. I gained some interest in Will writing when volunteering to work for a small solicitors that specialised in will writing amongst other things and I would like some information on taking up Will writing part time in order to use my degree in a legal nature as well as working in my current role. If you have any help or advise you could offer me, it would be gratefully received.
Kind regards
Dale
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Anthony Belcher
10th September 2018 at 3:03 pm
Hi Dale,
We have plenty of members of do Will writing part time alongside other businesses/jobs. Have you have an information pack at all? It would be a great starting point to see what the SWW can offer. Also feel free to give the office a call at any time on 01522 68 78 88 and a member of the team will be able to get you on track.
Thanks.
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Kuldip Sohal
28th March 2020 at 5:27 pm
Hi
I would like to obtain more information about becoming a will writer on a part time bases.
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Siobhan Smith
30th March 2020 at 9:06 am
Hi Kuldip, if you contact our Membership team by sending an email to [email protected] or calling 01522 687888 a member of the team will be happy to assist you.
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Joshua Marshall
13th April 2020 at 11:34 pm
Hi
I would like to request some further information regarding Will writing.
I am a recently qualified financial adviser and I would like to offer my clients a Will writing service.
Kind regards
Josh Marshall
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Anthony Belcher
14th April 2020 at 9:30 am
Hi Josh,
No problem at all, our membership team will be in touch shortly with information.
Thanks,
Anthony
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Helen Dain
11th June 2020 at 5:45 am
Could you send me some more information please
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Anthony Belcher
11th June 2020 at 4:50 pm
Hi Helen,
No problem, we’ll get an information pack over to you right away.
Thanks,
Anthony
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Lydia
7th July 2020 at 6:20 pm
I am a qualified Protection and GI adviser and I would like to offer my clients a Will writing service.
Please could you send me some more information about will writing ?
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Anthony Belcher
8th July 2020 at 2:13 pm
Hi Lydia, no problem at all – I’ll have someone from the Membership Team send some details to you.
Thanks,
Anthony
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Hazel
13th July 2020 at 7:04 pm
Hi
I’m a financial planner looking to expand my services and consider offering a will writing service. I’d be grateful if you could send me some further information. Thanks, Hazel
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Anthony Belcher
14th July 2020 at 11:49 am
Hi Hazel, no problem at all – our membership team will be in touch shortly.
Thanks, Anthony
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Rajagopal
20th July 2020 at 9:53 am
Greetings.
I would like to request some further information regarding Will writing course online.
I would like to seek more knowledge to enhance in depth knowledge in this field.
My email I’d:
[email protected]
Regards
Dr.Rajagopal(PhD)
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Anthony Belcher
4th August 2020 at 4:47 pm
No problem, we’ll have some information over to you soon!
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nicola weiss
23rd July 2020 at 9:20 am
Could I have some information please on becoming a Will Writer, thank you.
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Anthony Belcher
4th August 2020 at 4:48 pm
Sure thing, we’ll have some information over to you soon!
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Angela McLaughlin
29th July 2020 at 7:11 am
I would like to request an information pack on Will Writing, please. Thank you.
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Anthony Belcher
4th August 2020 at 4:48 pm
No problem, we’ll send one over right away!
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Julia Wilkes
6th August 2020 at 6:18 pm
Hi, could I have an information pack on will writing if possible please.
Sincere Thanks in advance.
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Anthony Belcher
7th August 2020 at 3:31 pm
Hi Julia,
No problem – we’ll get some info over right away!
Anthony
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Paul
10th August 2020 at 12:23 pm
Good afternoon. I’m interested to know if many of your members work full-time as Will Writers & Estate Planners.
I would also like an information pack and full details of your training course(s)
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Anthony Belcher
10th August 2020 at 2:17 pm
Hi Paul,
Most of our members do this is a full-time career, for some it has served as a total career change and they’re making a great success of things. I’ll have our membership team send over some information to you right away. Have a great week!
Anthony
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Kayley
17th August 2020 at 11:02 pm
Hi,
I have a 2.1 LLB degree, a Master’s in Law and have completed my LPC. Would I please be able to be sent an information pack?
Many thanks in advance.
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Anthony Belcher
18th August 2020 at 9:13 am
Hi Kayley, no problem at all, info pack is on its way!
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Sarah Arora
10th September 2020 at 2:56 pm
Hi, can someone send me an information pack. Kind regards, Sarah
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Anthony Belcher
11th September 2020 at 11:02 am
Hi Sarah, should be with you now – any questions just get in touch. Thanks!
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Nikki A
21st September 2020 at 1:59 pm
I am a qualified solicitor and I want to add will writing as a part time, do I need to be a member of SWW and do I need to do a training before I can write a will?
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Anthony Belcher
28th September 2020 at 3:53 pm
Hi Nikki,
There are no formal requirements to becoming a Will writer but we would of course recommend looking at membership with ourselves to provide you with the support, ongoing training and much more to ensure that you’re doing the job correctly and safely. If you have any questions feel free to get in touch.
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Jo Mitchell
30th September 2020 at 11:21 am
Please can you send me an information pack.
Many thanks
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Phinil Thomas
8th October 2020 at 7:43 pm
I would like to request some information regarding Will writing course.
I work as a protection adviser and I would like to offer my clients a Will writing service.
Kind regard
Phinil Thomas
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Anthony Belcher
9th October 2020 at 11:17 am
Hi Phinil,
No problem at all, we’ll send some information over.
Thanks
Anthony
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Alexandra Sodimu Jones
11th October 2020 at 12:54 pm
Hi there,
I’d like to request an information pack if I may.
Many thanks,
Alexandra
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Daniel Croft
14th October 2020 at 11:31 am
Hi, could I have an information pack on will writing if possible please?
Thanks in advance.
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Gary M
25th October 2020 at 1:40 pm
Hi Anthony, having read the comments above, it seems that most are interested in adding will writing skills to services they already offer. I was encouraged to read your comment that many of your members offer will writing as a stand alone service. Please send me an information pack and if that pack doesn’t approximate how many hours study required to become a competent will writer and achieve your certification, please inform me of such. Thanks.
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Anthony Belcher
26th October 2020 at 4:33 pm
Hi Gary,
I’ve sent you an email.
Thanks!
Anthony
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Gary M
26th October 2020 at 4:55 pm
Thanks, Anthony. Sam has been in touch. Apologies for the embarrassing (inappropriate) Woody Allen photo, I had no idea it would appear until I’d posted.I presume your blog picked it up from my email address and a blog I’d written about nine years ago. Must both be WordPress blogs? Not really the kind of persona I intended to cultivate. Cringe !!
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Rishi Thapar
2nd November 2020 at 11:04 pm
Hi,
I am interested in studying the relevant course(s) to become a competent and qualified will writer.
Please do let me have the necessary information and first steps.
Best wishes,
Rishi
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Sam Smith
9th April 2021 at 3:47 pm
Hello Rishi,
I hope you are well,
sorry for the delay in response, I have asked a member of the team to send you some information over ASAP. If you have any questions please let me know – [email protected]
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Gary Richardson
26th November 2020 at 12:04 am
I am a CeMap qualified mortgage broker,and would like of offer my clients a will writing service. Could you please send your information pack.
Thank you.
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Charlie
15th December 2020 at 9:04 pm
Hi,
Can you please forward me an information pack.
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Delyse Taylor
16th December 2020 at 8:10 pm
Please can you send me information about becoming a will writer and what it will involve in regards to study time and costs, Looking for a change of career direction.
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Melissa T
23rd January 2021 at 5:29 pm
I am eager to get into will writing as a self-employed profession. I have a degree in Sociology and a keen interest in law practices. Please could you send me an information pack on this career? My email is: [email protected]
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Evelyn
19th February 2021 at 11:19 am
Hi,
I am an LPC graduate and would like an information pack and full details of your training course(s).
Many Thanks
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Sam Smith
9th April 2021 at 3:43 pm
Hello Evelyn,
Sorry for the delay a member of the team will be in contact shortly.
Kind Regards
Sam
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Dominique Cooper
1st March 2021 at 5:25 pm
Hello
Would it be possible to request some more information regarding the Will Writing Course? I work for a financial advisor and it is something that we are looking into offering our clients.
Many Thanks
Dominique Cooper
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Sam Smith
9th April 2021 at 12:24 pm
Hello Dominique,
I hope you are well,
I will get a member of the team onto this right away for you.
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Joanna Killip
22nd March 2021 at 8:03 pm
Good Evening
I hope you are all well.
I would be very interested in receiving your information pack in pursuing the will writers course.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind Regards
Joanna Killip
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Anthony Belcher
24th March 2021 at 1:52 pm
Hi Joanna,
I’ll get our membership team to send you some information.
Thanks,
Anthony
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Chris Donaldson
31st March 2021 at 5:09 pm
Not sure if this is the appropriate forum or platform to ask a question but here goes.
Would a will-writer, in my case a solicitor who wrote my late mother’s will, be expected to offer tax advice either solicited or unsolicited?
Because of an extra tax burden I now have to sell her house and this could have been easily avoided with a little expert input.
Thanks in advance, hope to hear from you.
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Sam Smith
9th April 2021 at 3:30 pm
Hi Chris,
Thank you for your message and apologies for the delay in our response.
As a will writer or solicitor, they should provide basic tax advice and be able to advise on any IHT implications. However for in depth tax advice, the client should see a financial advisor.
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Helen Carter
24th May 2021 at 1:19 pm
Hello there. I am hoping to train in will writing as a new venture. Could you please send me an information pack as needing some guidance on how to get started.
Kindest regards.
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Sam Smith
24th May 2021 at 1:48 pm
Hi Helen,
I hope you are well,
A member of the team will be in contact shortly with the information needed.
Kind Regards
Sam
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Laura
20th June 2021 at 7:45 pm
Hello, please can I have some information on becoming a Will writer? Many thanks, laura.
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Sam Smith
22nd June 2021 at 11:45 am
Hi Laura,
I hope you are well,
I have asked a member of the team to action this right away.
kind regards
Sam
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Ritchard Tysoe
22nd June 2021 at 11:38 am
Hi there
Please could you send me your information pack on becoming a will writer
Kind regards
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Sam Smith
22nd June 2021 at 11:46 am
Hi Richard,
I hope you are well,
I have just sent you a pack across, if you need anything please do let me know.
Sam
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Dominic Roberts
6th August 2021 at 10:49 pm
Hello.
I am nearly 40 years old and am looking for a career change. I have always had a physical job and my body is failing me and I am looking to work from home if possible. I don’t really have the money or time (two young children) to go to college to retrain full time.
Please could you send me some an information pack to have a look at?
Would this be the kind of thing that could bring me a decent wage without any previous experience or qualifications?
Many thanks in advance
Dom.
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Sam Smith
9th August 2021 at 8:28 am
Hi Dom,
I hope you are well,
A member of the team will be in contact shortly with the information needed.
Kind Regards
Sam
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Samantha Gray
17th August 2021 at 7:48 pm
Hello
I currently work within an accountancy practice and am looking at adding Will Writing as a service we can offer to new and existing clients.
Please could you send me your information pack about becoming a will writer and the courses available.
Thank you in advance
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Manisha Chauhan
23rd August 2021 at 9:47 am
Hi Samantha,
Yes no problem at all.
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Natalie Brown
30th September 2021 at 11:46 am
Please could you send me your information pack about becoming a will writer and the courses available.
Thank you in advance
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Siobhan Smith
4th October 2021 at 9:11 am
Hi Natalie, someone from our Membership team will contact you shorty with our information pack and details of the training courses we offer to will writers.
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Shanaz Khalil
3rd November 2021 at 9:45 am
I have completed my LPC and am interested in setting up my Wills business.
Could you please send me a information pack.
Thank you
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Anthony Belcher
3rd November 2021 at 3:56 pm
Hi Shanaz,
No problem, we’ll get one over to you right away!
Thanks,
Anthony
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Gerry Roche
17th January 2022 at 11:36 am
I am a qualified protection adviser, and would like more information regarding becoming a Will writer please.
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Sam Smith
17th January 2022 at 12:16 pm
Hi Gerry,
I hope you are well?
A member of our membership team should be on contact shortly.
Kind Regards
Sam
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Natasha Ngozi
21st January 2022 at 2:41 pm
Hello, I would like to register for the online course on will writing. How do I go about it. Thanks
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Sam Smith
24th January 2022 at 8:58 am
Hi Natasha,
I hope you are well,
if you are to head to the college website you are able to register here.
4 day face to face – https://www.collegewillwriting.co.uk/courses/swwepp-wills-and-estate-planning-certificate/
Distance learning – https://www.collegewillwriting.co.uk/courses/distance-learning/
if you have any questions please let me know.
Kind Regards
Sam
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Siobhan Rattigan-Smith
4th February 2022 at 1:11 pm
Hi Natasha,
A member of the team will be in contact with you shortly with some information on our distance learning course.
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Jak Ali
30th January 2022 at 8:32 am
Could I please request more information regarding will writing service as I am looking into providing this service for my clients.
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Siobhan Rattigan-Smith
4th February 2022 at 1:14 pm
Hi Jak, A member of the membership team will be in contact shortly to discuss.
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Adarsha
16th September 2022 at 3:01 pm
Hi
Please could you send me your information pack about becoming a will writer and the courses available.
Thank you in advance
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Sam Smith
16th September 2022 at 3:22 pm
Hi Adarsha,
A member of the Team will be in contact shortly.
Kind Regards
Sam
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Denice Drury
11th November 2022 at 2:34 pm
Hi Sam.
Is this training for the UK only? I’m in the USA and considering a change in my career.
Denice Drury
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Sam Smith
11th January 2023 at 2:16 pm
Hi Denice,
I hope you are well,
I can confirm that the course only Courses only covers English and Welsh Law.
Kind Regards
Sam
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Adam Newbold
10th July 2023 at 4:37 pm
Good afternoon,
I am looking to become a part-time will writer on top of my current role as a Mortgage Adviser.
If you could provide me with some further information, that would be great.
Cheers
Adam
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Anthony Belcher
19th July 2023 at 5:11 pm
Hi Adam,
The membership team have been in touch with an information pack. If there’s anything else you need, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Best wishes,
Anthony
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Alison Evans
10th August 2023 at 9:13 am
Hi I’m interested in will writing and courses could I possibly has information sent to me.on how to get started.
Also I don’t have any legal qualifications and Is this required?
Thank you Ally
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Sam Smith
10th August 2023 at 9:42 am
Hi Ally,
A member of the Team will be in contact shortly with information on how to get started.
Kind Regards
Sam
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Yvette Briggs
17th September 2023 at 11:55 am
I am a property conveyancing solicitor working as a locum. I am interested in Will Writing and Estate Planning. Please can you contact me with more information.
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Renee
19th September 2023 at 9:45 am
Hello,
I am interested in will writing and would like some information on how to get into.
Many Thanks, Renee
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Birgit Thomas
8th January 2024 at 11:02 am
Hi, I would be interested in will writing and your courses. Would you be able to send me information on your courses and how to start up a will writing business please. Many thanks. Birigt
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Sam Smith
30th January 2024 at 4:39 pm
Hi Birgit,
A member of the Team will be in contact shortly to discuss course’s that we offer.
Kind Regards
Sam
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