Training

Introduction to Willwriting Course

A one-day course held four times each year covering the basics and practicalities of becoming a professional willwriter and running a successful practice.

Willwriting in Practice Course

A three-day course, held four times each year, one month before each examination, expanding on the introductory course and equipping the student for a programme of home-study leading up to the examination. The course includes both legal theory and the practical skills necessary to ascertain a clients needs and circumstances in order to provide them with an appropriate Will.

Recommended Text Books

The Institute recommends the following for home-study:-

Wills, Administration and Taxation (8th edition ) by Barlow King and King, published by Thomson Sweet & Maxwell. Whilst the details of probate and administration are not part of the examination, some general knowledge of the topic may be required.

Parker's Modern Wills Precedents (5th Edition) published by Tottel. Exclude from study Chapters 15 and 16.

The booklets, Lasting Power of Attorney - A guide for people who want to make a Personal Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA102) and Lasting Power of Attorney – A guide for people who want to make a Property and Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA103) are issued free of charge by the Office of the Public Guardian, Archway Tower, 2 Junction Road, London N19 5SZ (Tel: 0845 330 2900). The booklet and relevant forms can be downloaded from www.publicguardian.gov.uk

Examinations

Examinations are held quarterly. The examination consists of a 1½ hour written paper and an instruction taking scenario test.

Continuing Professional Development

The Institute has a programme of Continuing Professional Development to ensure that members develop their skills and keep abreast of changes in the law in order to offer a first-class service to their clients.

Members are required to complete 12 hours of structured study in the form of seminars conducted by the Institute or approved outside providers, together with 8 hours of unstructured training in every 12 month period.

Courses

The IPW runs regular specialist courses on topics related to Wills, such as Probate & Estate Administration.

Seminars

Regular seminars are held, up to four times each year, offering a variety of topics relating to Willwriting including Inheritance Tax Planning, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Long Term Care Planning, Will Trusts, Severing Joint Tenancies and Marketing.

Most seminars are open to non-members. Details of forthcoming events are published in the News & Diary area of this website. Bookings may be made with office@ipw.org.uk

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