YouGov research for the Law Society, the body that oversees solicitors in England, has shown in a survey of 1,554 adults agreed that 55% wanted all will-writers to be regulated while over 95% praised the services provided by solicitors.

‘It is heartening to see that the public in this country are beginning to recognise the importance and peace of mind that one receives when using a solicitor over an unregulated will writer, and it shows it makes sense in using solicitors for wills,” said Frankie Harwood, a wills and probate specialist at QualitySolicitors Mander Cruickshank.

The survey also showed almost 90% of respondents who had a will drafted by a solicitor were satisfied with the process and 81% of those who took part said they were happy with the quality of legal advice.

In recent years, solicitors and the Legal Services Board have fought for will writing to be regulated, but it was rejected by the Government meaning currently anyone can write wills.

Ms Harwood, whose firm are based in Coalville and Hinckley, said anyone not seeing an expert in a firm of solicitors was taking a big risk.

“Badly drafted or ineffective DIY wills are to blame for a prolonged probate ordeal for around 38,000 families a year,” she said.

“Wills are no longer straightforward due to modern family structures and have to be written in a way where there is no ambiguity, and this can only be done by a good solicitor who has listened and found out exactly what a person wants their will to detail,” she said.

She also told of some of the fallouts she has witnessed through problems with wills or lack of them.

“The misery that we have seen due to poorly drafted wills, no wills, or wills that have not been regularly updated is significant,” she said. “It can affect people for the rest of their lives and the frustrating thing is that so often just taking the time to see a solicitor can prevent all this.”

If you wish to know more about wills, call QualitySolicitors Mander Cruickshank on 01530 510666.