STEP Sets the Standard in Will Writing Education

02/09/2010

Now, more than ever, clients need properly qualified and capable will draftsmen to prepare their wills. Family structures have become increasingly complex over the years and private wealth has grown significantly. These factors are beginning to focus the spotlight on the competence of will writers and the threat to the public of poorly drafted wills. The client, or the client’s family, may not appreciate the risk until it is too late.

A brand new Certificate for 2011, the STEP Certificate in Will Preparation has been developed at the level of the STEP Diploma, the gold standard in the field of trusts and estates education. The core text has been written by Martyn Frost TEP and Toby Harris TEP, well-known writers, presenters and practitioners in the field of wills, estates and taxation. The Certificate is appropriate for professionals who have existing experience in will preparation. For the will drafting professional, successful completion of the Certificate will:

• Gain them a recognised qualification in this field.

• Enhance their ability to give holistic advice to clients as a “trusted advisor”.

• Develop their technical competence.

• Support them in building their reputation as a will draftsman.

• Enhance their private client practice offering.

• Enable them to meet their annual STEP and SRA CPD requirement.

STEP Chief Executive David Harvey said: “This qualification sets the standard required to protect consumers who are looking to have a will written for them. It is particularly important in the current climate of limited regulation in this area. Consumers can be confident that if they have a will drafted by a professional who has completed this qualification, they will be dealing with someone who understands the entire process, from taking instructions to drafting the will, and who fully understands the tax implications for estate planning, so often overlooked by the untrained will writer.”

The final date to apply for the first intake for this qualification is 30 September 2010.