Back in May the CMA introduced draft guidelines for consumer protection… Here is our take…
The draft guidelines issued by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) back in a June are a timely reminder of the importance of transparency and consumer protection within the Will writing and broader legal services sectors. With increasing concerns around unregulated businesses providing Will writing, online divorce, and pre-paid probate services, the CMA’s investigation highlighted issues such as misleading advertising, unfair contract terms, and the exploitation of vulnerable clients. At SLS Wills and More, we fully support the CMA’s initiative to raise standards in the industry and protect consumers.
Expertise You Can Trust
If you’re a client you may know that Sara Sheppard, the founder of SLS Wills and More, has dedicated over 35 years to the Will writing profession and holds TEP (Trust and Estate Practitioner) status, one of the highest accreditations in estate planning. As a Fellow of the Society of Will Writers (SWW), Sara upholds the highest standards of practice and ethics in line with the SWW’s Code of Practice. These commitments offer our clients peace of mind that their legal affairs are being handled by a fully qualified and self-regulated expert.
The CMA’s draft guidelines underline the importance of transparency, particularly in making it clear to clients whether a business is regulated or not. While Will writing is an unregulated service, SLS Wills and More chooses to adhere to stringent self-regulation through our membership in the Society of Will Writers. We also hold comprehensive professional indemnity insurance, providing an extra layer of protection for our clients. These steps ensure that our clients are not only fully informed but also secure in the knowledge that their affairs are being managed with the highest level of care.
Upholding the Highest Standards
As highlighted in the CMA’s draft guidelines, there was concern over the lack of transparency and potential consumer harm in unregulated legal services. Practices such as failing to disclose future costs, using unfair contract terms, and engaging in aggressive sales tactics are unfortunately prevalent in some areas of the industry. At SLS Wills and More, we pride ourselves on full disclosure. All our fees are communicated clearly and upfront, with no hidden charges or misleading offers. Additionally, we do not engage in pressure selling, ensuring that clients are empowered to make decisions based on their own needs and preferences.
We take our responsibilities to consumers seriously. Sara’s position as a tutor at The College of Will Writing and her role on the SWW’s Professional Standards Board place her at the forefront of industry developments. This enables SLS Wills and More to stay ahead of regulatory changes and ensure our clients always receive the most up-to-date legal advice. Furthermore, Sara undertakes a minimum of 24 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) every year, ensuring that her knowledge remains current with evolving industry standards.
Commitment to Consumer Protection
The CMA’s focus on ensuring fair contract terms, clear communication, and protecting vulnerable clients resonates strongly with the principles we have built our business upon. For instance, we make sure that clients understand all elements of the services we provide and, crucially, what we do not provide. This means we are transparent about any work that might need to be outsourced and ensure that clients are aware of the qualifications of the professionals handling their case.
Additionally, SLS Wills and More does not engage in the practice of offering pre-paid probate services, in line with the SWW’s code of conduct. The risks associated with such services, as outlined in the CMA’s review, far outweigh any potential benefits. By avoiding these high-risk offerings, we protect our clients from unnecessary financial exposure and potential legal complications down the road.
Looking to the Future
With the CMA’s consultation ending back in June 2024 and the promise of more robust consumer protection laws on the horizon, the landscape of unregulated legal services is set to evolve. At SLS Wills and More, we welcome these developments. Sara’s wealth of experience and dedication to ongoing professional education means that our clients will always benefit from a practice that is not only compliant with today’s best practices but also poised to meet tomorrow’s challenges.
The CMA’s guidance is a significant step towards raising industry standards and protecting consumers. At SLS Wills and More, we will continue to champion these values and provide clients with clear, honest, and expert services. Whether you are considering writing your Will, planning your estate, or reviewing your existing documents, SLS Wills and More is here to offer the professional, regulated support you deserve.
For more information on how we can assist you with your Will and estate planning needs, please contact us at SLS Wills and More, where integrity and expertise are at the heart of everything we do.
