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WHAT IS THE STEP CODE FOR WILL PREPARATION IN ENGLAND & WALES (THE CODE)?

 

The Code comprises a set of principles that are in place to benefit you. These principles openly demonstrate the standard of transparency and service you can expect from a STEP member preparing your will.

 

The Code is not exhaustive, but it does provide you with a list of considerations that your will drafter should factor-in during the process.

 

HOW DOES THE CODE BENEFIT YOU?

The Code outlines a set of standards that are required of the STEP member preparing your will. STEP members are expected to demonstrate the following:

 

Openness and transparency

• They must remain open with you regarding their qualifications, cost implications when using their services and tax implications of your will, and provide you with a draft to approve before your will is executed.

 

• They are obliged to take steps to ensure you are not the victim of any fraud by confirming your identity before drafting a will for your estate.

 

• They must have no doubt in your mental capacity to make an informed decision and must not take any action that could cause a negative outcome for you should they believe you have a diminished mental capacity.

 

• They should hold an appropriate level of professional indemnity insurance.

 

Integrity

• A will drafter is required to work with sensitive personal information when preparing your will. The STEP Code sets clear boundaries on how a member must handle this information to best protect you: they must not share your information with other parties without your permission and must meet a series of requirements surrounding the storage of your confidential information.

 

• They may not benefit from the terms of your will and are expected to decline drafting your will and arrange for a qualified practitioner to assist where there is any conflict of interest.

 

• They may not refuse to prepare your will based on your age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

 

Competency

• They must have a sound knowledge of the main areas of law relating to wills.

 

• They must give you advice that is compliant with the law and taxation regulations and advise on how to avoid risk associated with your will.

 

• They must manage your requests for meetings, new wills, your queries and final execution of your will promptly.

 

HOW DOES THE CODE APPLY TO A STEP MEMBER PREPARING MY WILL?

The Code applies to all members of STEP in England & Wales who prepare wills for clients. If your will drafter is a STEP member, you can trust that their work will be in accordance with the Code.