Writing a will is arguably one of the most important things someone will do in their lifetime. This one document determines how everything in their life will be taken care of once they die. A clear will can be the difference between harmony and constant legal battles for a person’s loved ones.
Becoming a will writer is a great responsibility with personal fulfillment as your reward. This is one of the reasons that lead people to pursue this career choice. You don’t even need a legal background to get the training you need to become a will writer, which makes this an option for even more people.
Training To Become a Will Writer
This is a career where you work for yourself and set your own hours. The profession is also not highly regulated, so a broad group of people is in the mix. However, if you want to distinguish yourself as a legitimate practitioner and not a scam artist, the training is key.
Especially for people without a legal background, it is crucial to get the training you need. The wording in a legal document such as a will means everything. Having one or two words off can completely alter the intention of the deceased.
All training is not created equal. To get the most legitimate source of training, you need to seek out membership in a reputable group. There are two especially well-known groups for will writers in the UK.
- The Society of Will Writers has been around seen 1994 and is the largest group. Many things are taken into consideration when deciding membership, but (especially if you don’t have a legal background) it’s important to get their SWWEPP Wills and Estate Planning Certificate.
- The Institute of Professional Will Writers requires you to pass their entrance examination, which they offer quarterly. They have in-house training called the Willwriting Academy to give you the tools you need to pass.
After passing the exams, you can apply for membership. This also requires getting Professional Indemnity Insurance, which provides coverage in case you are accused of poor service in the future. You will need to include a DBS Check certificate of your criminal history as well. You might also choose to buy drafting software to make the process easier.
Why Membership Is Important
Becoming a member helps you because you have tangible evidence that you passed rigorous exams and can be trusted to write your client’s will. In a world where anyone can become a will writer, people are searching for proof that they won’t become a victim of a poorly written will.
These groups not only give you training but offer protection and other services as well. They can support you when you have a legal issue, allow you to interact with other members, and give you more training down the road.
Becoming a will writer might seem daunting, especially if you don’t have a legal background. But it’s something that anyone with the proper training and commitment can do. And the benefit of working in an industry that carries out such important work means a satisfying career.
I would like to know more about becoming a will writer