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
Yesterday
Major Step Toward Modernising Wills Law
The Law Commission has today published its much-anticipated final report on the reform of Wills law — a landmark moment for our profession and for the future of estate planning in England and Wales.
(Find out more) Friday, 9 May 2025
Why Unmarried Parents in the UK Must Make a Will – A Vital Lesson in Light of Recent Tragedy
The recent publicity surrounding the death of Liam Payne has prompted many to reflect on life’s fragility—and how unprepared we often are for the unexpected. While the headlines focus on a high-profile loss, there’s a powerful lesson here for many families, especially those who are unmarried with young children: the urgent importance of having a valid will.
(Find out more) Wednesday, 21 May 2025
Beginners Guide To Pensions - 21st May 2025
Online Webinar
The webinar is run by one of our Members, John Wilford, who has 26 years previous experience as a Financial Adviser and recently ran, 'A Practical Guide to Setting Up Your New Business'.
(Find out more) Wednesday, 21 May 2025
Full Members Exam Revision Session - 21st May 2025
This session has been specifically designed as a refresher session for those taking the IPW full member entrance examinations. Pre-requisites are that you attended the Will Writing in practice course.
(Find out more)