The Institute of Professional Willwriters (IPW) has achieved approval from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) for its code of practice under the Consumer Code of Approval Scheme (CCAS). Members of the IPW provide consumers with will writing services, assistance in estate planning and related legal services. The code intends to create a higher standard of protection for consumers than the current law provides. 

IPW code members are required to:

• pass an entrance exam and complete ongoing professional training
• provide consumers with a minimum seven day cooling off period
• complete work within strict time frames, agreed with the client
• protect consumer prepayments and deposits in the event that a member is unable to provide the promised service, and
• provide consumers with access to a low cost, independent redress scheme in case things go wrong.

Paul Sharpe, chairman of the IPW, said:

'The loss of a loved one is one of the most stressful times in a person's life. Everyone should make a will, and that will should be made right first time because there won't be an opportunity to come back have another go at getting it right. It is crucially important that consumers receive the highest standard of service from properly trained and qualified professionals. With IPW's OFT Approved code, consumers can tell at a glance that businesses will provide them with the highest standards.'