Resident warns others of '˜unregulated' will writers

A Littlehampton resident has warned others about the risk of '˜unregulated' will writers after claiming she '˜lost her money' to a company to prepare her will.
Esther Guy from Littlehampton. Picture: Derek MartinEsther Guy from Littlehampton. Picture: Derek Martin
Esther Guy from Littlehampton. Picture: Derek Martin

Esther Guy, 63, claims she was unaware that the company she instructed to prepare her will and lasting power of attorney were not regulated.

She said she was asked by the company to pay the full amount before she was given business terms to take home.

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Miss Guy said: “I was asked to sign one piece of paper agreeing with their terms of business before I read it.

“Two days later, I was sent another piece of paper to sign and return immediately, so they could begin preparing my documents.

“I later realised that by signing that form, I had given up my consumer rights.”

When Miss Guy saw the draft of her will two weeks later, she was shocked to find the company had nominated themselves as reserve executor and she claimed none of her life sustaining wishes regarding any treatment were written on her lasting power of attorney.

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Miss Guy is now determined to make others aware of potentially unregulated companies.

She added: “I have suffered much stress and lost my money.

“These people convince you that they are acting in your best interest and they know what is best for you.

“Please be aware that you should not allow anyone to persuade you to buy any extra services which you don’t need as this is not professional behaviour.

“Solicitors do not offer you any freebies and they don’t ask you for full payment up front. There are no extra charges incurred for witnessing of documents or storage of your will.

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“I am very happy now that I have instructed a solicitor, who prepared my will within four days, and there were no mistakes or extra charges.”

Miss Guy has asked anyone with similar experiences to contact her via email [email protected].

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