The Law Society is launching a campaign to ensure that will writers take formal qualifications before attempting to provide a service to consumers.

The campaign, which will warn about the financial and other risks of using unqualified will writers, will include lobbying the Lord Chancellor Kenneth Clark and the Legal Services Board chair David Edmonds for their support.

The Law Society will also be pushing for a parliamentary Early Day Motion on the issue, and providing online campaign tools to help solicitors and the public share their concerns with their Member of Parliament.

Law Society President Linda Lee said: ‘The fact that most problems are detected after the individual has died is a strong argument for establishing a robust regulatory framework.

‘Many of those calling themselves will writers may have purchased a franchise to do so, and are free to prepare wills without any training or insurance protection.

‘Five years ago, the government called for voluntary regulation of will writers, but since then we have only seen more and more consumer detriment as a result of no regulation.

‘The system must be changed to protect the public.’