News & Insights
Latimer Hinks welcomes a new code for will preparations
Latimer Hinks Solicitors, has welcomed the launch of a new code of conduct for preparing wills, establishing principles to which Latimer Hinks already has a strong record of commitment
The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) has announced that it is to bolster its existing set of ethical principles that demonstrate the standard of transparency and service clients can expect from a STEP member preparing their will.
The STEP Code for Will Preparation in England and Wales is a framework for members preparing wills determining how the needs of each individual client are to be met so that members operate within set standards.
Latimer Hinks, which is located on Priestgate in Darlington, has a number of solicitors and lawyers in the firms long established Private Client department who are members of STEP and who already adhere to the principal elements of the Code of Conduct.
Anne Elliott, Partner at Latimer Hinks, said: “The STEP Code ensures that a legal representative has, and maintains, the highest levels of duty of care and competency in completing what is to many people an essential, but sensitive, task. It essentially gives clients peace of mind in knowing that their affairs are being handled in the most effective and most ethical way possible.
“Our practices and procedures already to a large extent reflect the Code, so we are delighted to be able to support this, and to do so without hesitation.
The Code will come into effect from April 1. It has been introduced following the Government’s decision not to introduce a statutory scheme for will writing. Professional bodies are now charged with voluntarily bringing in their own codes of practice.
Andrew Way, a Partner and Manager of the Private Client department at Latimer Hinks, said: “The Code ensures that those accredited have a high standard of will writing, and are professionally qualified to give the best advice. It gives the public confidence and reassurance when they are dealing with those who adhere to the Code.
For more information on the STEP Code for Will Preparation in England and Wales visit http://www.step.org.
