Red Kite Law team embraces new code for wills

The team at Red Kite Law is all geared up for the launch of a new code of conduct for preparing wills.
The new code for members of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) comes into force this month.
It lays out a set of ethical principles that demonstrates openly the standard of transparency and service a client can expect from a STEP member preparing their will.
“Preparing a will is one of those big ‘lifetime’ moments for our clients and it is essential that people get the correct advice and support through the process,” said Tim Haggar, a partner at Red Kite Law who is a full member of STEP.
“Expert advice goes a long way in preparing a will and we are equipped with all the skills here at Red Kite Law to guide clients through the process in a manner which follows the most robust of ethical standards.”
Mr Haggar (pictured above) is supported in his work with the Wills and Probate team at Red Kite Law by Mathew Bowen, who is currently a STEP ‘student’ member.
The new code bolsters the existing STEP Code of Professional Conduct and will apply to all STEP members in England and Wales who prepare wills.
The code is a framework within which each STEP member who undertakes this area of work can determine how best to meet the needs of each individual client – while at the same time operating within appropriate standards. It does not set out a detailed and prescriptive procedure for will preparation.
STEP has introduced the code following the UK government’s decision not to introduce a statutory scheme in relation to will writing, requesting instead that professional bodies voluntarily bring in their own codes. In that context, STEP has developed its own standards for members to adhere to.
Geoffrey Shindler OBE, STEP President, commented: “The code will, I hope, become the hallmark to which all aspire when drafting wills. It is a condition of membership that we all adhere to the code, but it should be seen less as a burden and more as a positive benefit. It will demonstrate to clients, the public, to the government and to regulators that we are of a gold standard when it comes to preparing wills for individual clients.”

Red Kite Law has 13 partners and a total headcount of 81, with seven offices spread across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. The senior management team consists of Andrew Manning as CEO, Gayle Butland HR Manager, Chris Woolley as Finance Director and Sally Calverley as Business Development Director.
The team at Red Kite Law can be contacted on 01267 239000 and 01437 763332 or through the website at www.redkitelaw.co.uk

Weblinks –
www.redkitelaw.co.uk
http://www.step.org