The Society of Will Writers

28/10/2026

Thinking about a career in Will Writing and Estate Planning, or looking to expand your professional knowledge?

Since 1995, the College of Will Writing has been helping professionals develop the skills, confidence, and expertise needed to build successful careers in the industry.

From introductory courses to advanced training in trusts, tax planning, Lasting Powers of Attorney, drafting software, and more, our expert-led residential and online courses are designed to support you at every stage of your professional journey.

In this video, College Administrator Diane Mandeville explains how the College can help you develop your knowledge, stay up to date with industry changes, and grow your practice.

There's even more exciting news—our brand-new College website has launched, making it even easier to find and book the training that's right for you.

Find out more and explore our courses:
https://www.collegewillwriting.co.uk/

28/10/2026

In our last article we looked at some potentially common issues you as an estate planner could face from a client. This article will hopefully provide some helpful tips on what you can do to address such situations

Learn more here: https://www.willwriters.com/blog/dealing-with-a-challenging-client-part-2/

In our last article we looked at some potentially common issues you as an estate planner could face from a client. This article will hopefully provide some helpful tips on what you can do to address such situations

28/10/2026

How Do You Choose the Right Executor for Your Will?

Choosing an executor is an important part of making a Will. The right person will be responsible for administering your estate, dealing with paperwork and financial matters, and ensuring your wishes are carried out.

But what should you consider before making this decision?

Our article explores eight key considerations when choosing an executor:

Trustworthiness: Someone honest, reliable and responsible.

Organisation: The ability to manage paperwork, finances and administrative tasks.

Legal and financial knowledge: An understanding of the responsibilities involved.

Availability: Someone with the time and willingness to take on the role.

Conflict resolution: The ability to handle disagreements between beneficiaries.

Understanding your wishes: Clear communication about your preferences.

A backup plan: Naming a reserve executor if your first choice cannot act.

Professional executors: When appointing an experienced professional may be appropriate.

Choosing carefully can help make estate administration smoother and provide greater peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Read the full article:
https://www.willwriters.com/blog/how-do-i-choose-an-executor/

Find a professional will writer:
https://www.willwriters.com/listing/

27/10/2026

We were made aware that there was a brief interruption with the Sure Will Writer software. The developers were made aware of the problem and have since resolved the issue. A normal service should be resumed now.

27/10/2026

Protecting Your Will Writing Practice in a Digital Age

How secure is your business when so much of your work happens online?

Will writers handle some of their clients’ most sensitive information, including personal details, estate information and financial instructions. As practices increasingly rely on remote working, cloud systems, third-party providers and electronic payments, cyber risks are becoming an important consideration.

A cyber incident could result in:

Data breaches and loss of sensitive information
Business interruption
Financial loss and fraudulent payments
Reputational damage
Legal costs and potential claims
Regulatory consequences
How can cyber insurance help?

A standalone cyber insurance policy may provide protection for areas such as:

Data breach response – helping manage the costs associated with responding to a breach.

Business interruption – helping with lost income following certain cyber-related disruptions.

Forensic investigation – supporting investigations into how a breach occurred and how systems can be secured.

Legal costs – helping with legal expenses and claims arising from cyber incidents.

But insurance is only part of the picture.

Protect your practice with good cyber security

Will writers can also take practical steps to reduce their exposure, including:

✔ Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
✔ Secure, encrypted backups
✔ Regular cyber security and phishing training
✔ Payment verification procedures
✔ Due diligence when choosing third-party suppliers
✔ A clear incident response plan

Cyber security isn't simply an IT issue. It's a business continuity, client trust and risk management issue.

Find out more about the cyber risks facing will writers and the protection available:

Protecting Your Practice in a Digital Age
Read the full article- https://www.willwriters.com/blog/protecting-your-practice-in-a-digital-age/

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27/10/2026

When you purchase a property with someone else, you will be asked how you want to own the property. In England and Wales, a property can be held as either joint tenants or tenants in common. However, each ownership is different so let’s explore what they are and what you can do with the share as this is important for the purposes of will writing.

Learn more here: https://www.willwriters.com/blog/joint-tenants-v-tenants-in-common/

When you purchase a property with someone else, you will be asked how you want to own the property. In England and Wales, a property can be held as either joint tenants or tenants in common. However, each ownership is different so let’s explore what they are and what you can do with the share as t...

27/10/2026

Your Feedback Matters: SWW Conference 2026

The SWW Conference 2026 brought together professionals from across the will writing and estate planning industry, and we’d love to hear what you thought.

What did you enjoy most? Which speakers or topics would you like to see in 2027? Is there anything we could improve to make next year’s conference even more valuable?

Your feedback and suggestions will help us shape the SWW Conference 2027, from the speakers and sessions to the topics that matter most to you.

Whether you attended this year’s conference or simply have ideas for next year, we’d love to hear from you. Take a moment to complete our short survey and help us plan for the future.

Share your thoughts here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3XPCJ2G

Thank you for helping us make future SWW conferences even better.

26/10/2026

Thinking about becoming a Professional Will Writer or Estate Planning Practitioner?

There has never been a better time to join The Society of Will Writers & Estate Planning Practitioners.

Since 1994, we have been supporting professionals by setting high standards, providing expert guidance, and helping members build successful, trusted businesses. Today, we are proud to be the largest and leading self-regulatory body representing Professional Will Writers and Estate Planning Practitioners, with members across the UK and around the world.

Our Information Pack explains everything you need to know about becoming a member, including:

• Membership routes for every level of experience.
• Professional guidance and ongoing support.
• Industry-leading training and development opportunities.
• Exclusive member benefits and partner services.
• Resources and tools to help you grow your business.
• A professional community committed to raising standards across the industry.

Whether you're starting your career, returning to the profession, or looking to strengthen your existing practice, our membership is designed to support your personal and professional development every step of the way.

A career in Will Writing is about more than building a successful business. It's about helping people protect their families, organise their affairs, and provide lasting peace of mind. With the right knowledge, support, and dedication, you can build a rewarding profession while making a genuine difference to your clients' lives.

Ready to join a trusted professional community? Request your Information Pack today and speak to our team about becoming a member.

Contact us: https://www.willwriters.com/contact-us/

Join a trusted professional community. Build your expertise. Grow your business. Become a member today.

26/10/2026

Property Protection Trusts: How Can They Help Protect a Family Home?

How can you help protect a family home while ensuring that your chosen beneficiaries can inherit in the future?

A Property Protection Trust (PPT) can be included in a Will to help protect the deceased’s share of a property for chosen beneficiaries, while potentially allowing a surviving spouse or partner to continue living in the home.

However, property ownership, future plans to sell or downsize, and potential tax implications all need careful consideration. A Property Protection Trust may not be suitable for every family, and understanding both the benefits and potential disadvantages is essential.

Read our full article to learn how Property Protection Trusts work, what to consider, and how they may fit into your estate planning.

Read the blog:
https://www.willwriters.com/blog/will-trusts-ppt/

25/10/2026

🔗 Read the full article:
https://www.willwriters.com/blog/can-children-make-wills/

Should 16-Year-Olds Be Allowed to Make a Will?

Could one of the biggest changes to Wills law in decades give young people more control over their future?

The Law Commission has proposed reducing the minimum age for making a Will in England and Wales from 18 to 16. If adopted, this could transform how the law protects young people with assets, inheritances, or complex family circumstances.

What are the proposed changes?

✔ Lower the legal age to make a Will from 18 to 16.
✔ Allow courts to authorise Wills for children under 16 in appropriate cases.
✔ Assess the capacity of 16–17-year-olds under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
✔ Better protect young people with inheritances, compensation awards, or independent finances.
✔ Help prevent unfair outcomes under the Rules of Intestacy.

Why does this matter?

Many young people today own assets, receive inheritances, or have family situations that don't fit the assumptions behind laws written more than a century ago. Under the current rules, if a child dies without being able to make a valid Will, their estate is distributed according to the law—not necessarily according to their wishes.

The proposed reforms aim to modernise Wills law while ensuring appropriate legal safeguards remain in place.

Watch the video to learn what these proposed changes could mean for young people, families, and the future of estate planning.

🔗 Read the full article:
https://www.willwriters.com/blog/can-children-make-wills/

Do you think 16-year-olds should be able to make a legally valid Will? Share your thoughts in the comments.