• March 28, 2024
 A Brief History of Will Writing

A Brief History of Will Writing

Will writing in England is thought to date back many hundreds of years. Since the beginning, the main principles of bequeathing estates and the division of assets has predominantly remained consistent. However, in recent years, the development of how will writing services are carried out and regulated have advanced significantly.

Executors are now able to access a myriad of both online and offline will writing services, and it’s up to you as a will writing professional to ensure you help your clients — and prospective clients – to decide what the best option is for them. An elderly client who is redrafting the written will they’ve had for many years may wish to retain a paper-based format if they have no access to a computer. On the other hand, as people under the age of 50 are being encouraged to create their will for the first time, the younger generations should be introduced to alternative digital formats, so they are easily accessed and more convenient to update for someone with a busy lifestyle. That said, a paper-based will is still required for probate so consumers should be made aware of this also.

In addition, it’s an integral factor within will writing for professionals to keep up to date with advances in the industry, as well as any amendments or additions to regulations and best practice. Social media and marketing are becoming increasingly prominent, allowing will writers to gain clientele from across the nation. If you are keen to encourage young people to start drafting their first wills, having an effective marketing strategy is key for targeting this demographic.

One of the most influential organisations within the will writing profession is The Society of Will Writers. Over the past 21 years, the society has developed ways for will writers to advance effectively within their careers, as well as keep abreast of the latest technological advances and new working strategies.

The History of The Society of Will Writers’ timeline below demonstrates just how far the organisation has come over the years, as well as the profession as a whole.

Where do you think the will writing profession is heading? Are you making the most of the technology and modern processes that are now available?

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Heather Cameron