Saddleworth Willwriter Rejects Negative Reports

Ray Withnall

A willwriter from Saddleworth has rejected recent media stories which have cast the profession in something of a bad light.

Ray Withall of Diggle, who runs Hay Tarn Willwriting Services, told Saddleworth News he was concerned the “unhelpful and confusing” coverage may have put people off making their will.

An ombudsman’s report earlier this month warned about unclear regulation in the sector. The Chief Executive of the Law Society then weighed in on the issue, using the phrase “unregulated cowboys” to describe some willwriters.

But Ray said: “I’m concerned families with young children reading and listening to the negative press comments will be discouraged from the important task of appointing guardians for their children and creating trusts to provide for their maintenance, benefit and education in the event of a family tragedy.”

He added: “Scaremongering in the press might also dissuade people from seeking essential advice about preparing their wills if they have to address difficult and unusual circumstances.”

Ray also stressed that he is a full member of the Institute of Professional Willwriters. He said that all the institute’s members must comply with a strict code of practice monitored by the Office of Fair Trading.

The IPW has responded to the media reports by issuing a ten-point checklist with tips for the public on how to approach the task of making a will, a move supported by Ray. He’s published the full list on his blog, which you can find here.

A BBC article about the initial story can be found here.

(Full disclosure: Hay Tarn is a supporter of Saddleworth News)

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

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