Some 67% of consumers wrongly believe that all will writers are solicitors, research has shown.

A survey of more than 1,000 people revealed that 82% assumed that training and qualifications are required before someone can become a will writer.

More than 830 respondents mistakenly thought that the statement ‘anyone can currently set themselves up as a will writer, as qualifications are not needed’, was false, while 680 wrongly thought that all will writers were solicitors.

Nearly half of those interviewed said they were ‘confused’ by the will-writing process, and 21% said they would rather write a will themselves, despite the complications that could crop up.

The survey was commissioned by the Fellowship of Professional Willwriters and Probate Practitioners.

The Law Society conducted research last year which showed that vulnerable people are being left without adequate provision as a result of ‘nightmare’ wills prepared by unregulated will writers.

Lord Hunt of Wirral expressed concerns about the unregulated ‘fringe legal market’ in will writing in his review of legal services last October. He called for will writing to become a regulated activity.