Pictured above: Philip Westcott
A Gainsborough-based firm of solicitors is advising people
against the use of unregistered law companies when preparing their
legal documents. The advice follows a spate of cold calls from
unaccredited companies to local residents, offering legal
services.
Burton and Dyson is urging people to use firms of qualified
solicitors who are registered with the Law Society, when looking to
prepare important documents such as wills and lasting powers of
attorney.
The Law Society is the professional regulatory body for the
legal profession. It works to set, and maintain standards and
ensure good practice, protecting both the members, and the
public.
Burton and Dyson managing partner, Philip Westcott, said: "Not
many people are aware that you do not have to be a solicitor to be
a will writer, and no qualifications are required at all.
"Some unregistered companies cold call members of the public,
offering will-writing services. This can be confusing to some
people, especially older citizens, who may assume that the
individual is a qualified solicitor and will therefore place the
preparation of these important documents in their hands.
"Some of these companies do a perfectly competent job, but it is
worth remembering that the organisation of your will and powers of
attorney is an important task, which if handled badly, can cause
severe consequences. Therefore we strongly advise people to use
qualified solicitors who have the backing of the Law Society.
"By doing this you guarantee yourself total peace of mind in
relation to your legal affairs, and can rely upon professional
support from the Law Society, should any thing go wrong."
For more information on Burton & Dyson, view their website
here: www.burtondyson.com