Will Writing Services Ltd - Good VFM or a Con?

LadyDee

I seem to remember that Age UK give advice on Will writing - not appropriate if you are younger but I'm sure I saw a leaflet in one of their shops a while back. As I'd already done mine I didn't really pay much attention but it might be worth giving them a call to see if they recommend a particular company.
Or Saga I believe have a will-writing service.

mike56

Posted here on 25/01/10 as my wife and I had finally decided to make a will but was put off from using WSL who had offered their services after taking advice given on this forum and we shelved the idea yet again.

WSL has now been recommended by a friend and an advisor is calling on Tuesday morning. I can see there are a few positive postings amongst the negatives since I wrote last which gives some hope but the best thing I think is to decide as objectively as possible on the value of what is being offered and be prepared to hold ones ground and not be pressured into spending money one can't afford!

One thing I noticed is that 'Trixie102' mentioned in Jan. 2010 that she had successfully used the Will Writing Company Ltd. who were a member of the Institute of Professional Will Writers and this organisation was also mentioned by another contributor at that time, whereas WSL is a member of the Society Of Will Writers. Is this as good or fairly meaningless would anyone know?

Sorry posting is so long but any thoughts would be welcome!

Errata

Utterly meaningless, they're both trade associations.

YesWillMan

Errata wrote: »

Utterly meaningless, they're both trade associations.

Bit harsh that. The IPW are behind reforms to make the industry more regulated and are in consultation with the Government concerning this.
Members of the IPW have to pass certain exams and have continual assessment and have to do a certain amount of training hours each year

The Will Writing Company that were mentioned earlier have been going for over 20 years and have a great reputation in the industry.

mike56

The Wills & Legal Services Ltd. consultant called yesterday and my wife and I were very impressed with her knowledge and presentation skills. We were also satisfied that the services offered by WLS were what we needed which included secure storage, probate assistance to executors and annual reminder to check if will needs updating. The basic will writing service for a couple is £117.60 but with the additional services this becomes £395.

As a one off charge for life we decided to take this package, others may decide to just take the basic will writing service or go elsewhere. It's a matter of personal choice but WLS is certainly worth considering.

blondnc

We just had WSL round after getting a Wowcher deal which was getting a mirror will completed for a measley £27. As described in other comments they managed to keep the up-sell quiet til the very end and offered us the lifetime service for £975!

Would mike56 be able to clarify that it was the 'Classic lifetime service' that he received for £395?

Edit : or am I confusing two companies? WSL and WLS?

mike56

It is easy to confuse WSL -Willwriting Services London (Limited) with WLS Wills & Legal Services (Limited). As far as I can tell they are totally separate organisations. So, blondnc, yes, you are confusing the two outfits and your WSL rep wasn't from the same people (WLS) that my wife and I dealt with. Sorry!
Unless you have somebody from both companys round to explain what they'll do for you and see what services each are including in their fee and, ideally, you also get opinions from people who have used both companies so you can compare their experiences, it's difficult to know for sure if you would get value for money paying a much higher cost with one over the other.
Trust that confuses things even more for you. ;-)

Tester1402

Hi

I found the details of WSL at my local shopping centre in Harrow. They were quick to call me back and arrange a interview to write the will. From this point onwards, they made failing after failing.
Firstly they cancelled my first appointment on the day, last minute. Some time later when it got rescheduled the rep put pressure on us to take the classic agreement and said we can cancel at anytime. So we agreed on the basis I can cancel.
I was told my will was complete and it was sent to me I signed with witnesses signatures and posted it back. They lost it. :mad:After another month of chasing them up to resend another, they failed to. :mad:Then they told me they found it and will send it to me. But they have not.:mad: I asked them to cancel the classic agreement. They have not.:mad::mad::mad: I have paid for a will I do not have some months later. The legal team staff are useless and lie to me every time I call telling me one thing then changing it next time. Know one returns my calls and the one person who apparently deals with my case is always out of office. Do not use this company, find another more professional time! I have serious regrets! Do not make the same mistake as me.

Dramaqueen33

Just seen Tester1402 comments and sorry you had bad experience.I just done my will with wsl and thought they were really good. Got info fromshopping center too but my friend had used them too last year.Their guy who cameround was very clear and explained everything. He did offer me extra servicesat the end but wasn’t under any pressure. I got the lifetime because I thoughtit made sense and was a good deal. Everyone I have spoken to at their officehas been friendly and helpful so I’d say their service is worth it.

thestatusquo

'the proof is in the pudding', a relative had to deal with probate and the person that had died had the probate support service in place, a pre-paid service with WSL which I think is the same as has been mentioned! He had guidance and support throughout the process, and he said that without it he couldn't have done it himself and would have gone to solicitors to deal with it. Wsl didn't charge him a single penny! As a consequence he did a new will with WSL so that he could take advantage of the service, this relative is no fool, he has seen the benefit of those services and I too recently took out the same service. Anything that makes probate easier for your children to deal with at a difficult time has to be a good thing. Wsl also keep the will safe for me and I can make changes when I want to. You can't please all the people all of the time, but so far my relative and myself have received a professional service right from day one. I paid more towards £1,000 so I don't know if the price has gone up or if I have a service which offers more than the other posts.