THE INSTITUTE OF PROFESSIONAL WILLWRITERS
The Institute of Professional Willwriters (IPW) was founded in 1991 as a self-regulatory body to safeguard the public from unqualified practitioners and unethical business practices and has become established as the recognised professional body regulating and promoting the profession of Willwriting in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
As well as being part of a recognised network of professionals, becoming a member of the IPW can help your business stand out against competitors, demonstrating the high standard of your services.
Membership is available to those who pass the IPW entrance examination, or those possess an equivalent and relevant qualification in Wills and Estates from a recognised qualifying body. For more information about how you can become a member, please click here.
In order to ensure that our members are kept up to date with legislation and industry developments, we require them to annually refresh their knowledge through a programme of Continuing Professional Development. This also enables them to retain their practising certificate.
All IPW members also have Professional Indemnity Insurance cover of a minimum of £2 million for each Will written. In order to ensure that our standards remain high, it's mandatory to comply with the IPW Code of Practice which is approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute under its Consumer Codes Approval Scheme.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
The IPW has major concerns about the current rise of companies marketing
pre-paid probate plans, in particular the lack of regulation in the sector.
Unfortunately, the lack of consumer protection can sometimes lead to unethical
business practices. To be absolutely clear, we do not endorse the sale of
pre-paid probate plans and we have reiterated this to our membership. Free guide to making a will
Wednesday, 9 April 2025
Securing Your Digital Legacy: A Guide for Future Access
In today’s digital world, our online lives hold memories, photos, and sensitive personal information—all of which form part of our digital legacy. When someone passes away or becomes incapacitated, gaining access to their digital accounts can be essential for both emotional closure and practical matters.
(Find out more) Monday, 3 February 2025
IPW Welcomes Government Decision To Retain Original Wills
After conducting a thorough public consultation that showed strong opposition to the destruction of original wills, the Ministry of Justice has decided to preserve them. This move has been supported by professionals in the field, highlighting the continued significance of these documents as legal, historical, and sentimental records.
(Find out more) Tuesday, 6 May 2025
WWIP - 3 Day Willwriting In Practice - 6th, 7th & 8th May 2025
Online Webinar
Led by Paul Tansley, the webinar is intended to expand on the theory covered by the webinar books and introductory webinar by developing practical skills, so that students will be able to successfully implement their technical theoretical skills into real life situations.
(Find out more) Wednesday, 7 May 2025
Applying For Deputyship Through The Court Of Protection - 7th May 2025
Online Webinar
Often your client doesn’t have the capacity to make a LPA. By knowing the processes and procedures involved in making an application for Deputyship, you can assist your client in obtaining Deputyship for their incapacitated relative.
(Find out more)