Pictured above: Sophie Yates
Growing numbers of elderly and vulnerable Shropshire residents
are being targeted by unscrupulous and unregulated will-writing
firms, a county lawyer has warned.
Sophie Yates, of MFG Solicitors, warned that cold calling of
elderly people was getting out of hand.
Miss Yates, who specialises in advising clients in relation to
wills, administration of estates, lasting powers of attorney and
Court of Protection issues, said the practice was causing serious
concern.
Clients had been ringing in enquiring how rogue will writing and
legal service companies had managed to obtain their details.
She said: "The whole thing is scandalous.
Miss Yates noted: "A properly drawn up will is the only
way to ensure your loved ones are properly provided for when you
are gone.
"Sadly, an increasing number of people are falling victim to
will writing scams that leave them seriously out of pocket.
"Separation, divorce, remarriage and cohabitation are much more
common nowadays, and all have a potential impact upon the
distribution of a person's estate.
"Drafting a will without expert knowledge of the law and a clear
understanding of the family background can lead to disastrous
results such as an increased tax liability, the wrong people
inheriting money or assets and the possibility of family feuds as
loved ones lose out financially.
Citizens Advice has warned people not to be conned by adverts
and cold calls from cowboys promising to make wills on the cheap
and fishing for personal information.
"Some so-called will writers are advertising wills for around
£24 in local papers and cold calling people by phone just to
get a foot in the door so they can go in with a hard sell," the
organisation noted. "Once through the front door, the true cost
begins to add up to hundreds of pounds and people are often
required to pay up there and then."
And consumer champion Which? recently voiced its worries that
some will providers were recommending they be named as an executor
without properly explaining the implications. Executors are the
people responsible for sorting out estates and dealing with
paperwork after death.
Consumers also need to be aware of hidden charges, particularly
for storage of documents. As these firms do not belong to any
regulatory body no code of conduct applies and their services often
disappear, making it impossible to find your will and leaving your
loved ones in a state of panic and uncertainty following your
death.
"My advice is to seek tailored advice from a regulated,
qualified adviser," said Sophie Yates.