Ten years on from the introduction of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA), many will writers still need to do more to support disabled and vulnerable clients. Addressing this subject at the annual Society of Will Writers (SWW) Conference, Tim Farmer, Managing Director of mental capacity assessors TSF Consultants, discussed how communicating and displaying information in different ways can help achieve this.
Speaking at the conference, Mr Farmer talked about the complexities of explaining the differences between joint and several Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs). He then went on to describe how visual techniques can be used to explain estate planning to clients better.
Highlighting that “it’s about working with the individual”, he stressed that, while most will writers deal with older clients, vulnerability is not always about age. There are many people who need extra support, including those with additional physical and emotional needs.
Mr Farmer discussed how will writers must do more to meet these needs. For example, for clients who are unable to communicate verbally, will writers should consider techniques which allow for yes/no answers. In his speech, Mr Farmer also highlighted how lots of clear visuals and simple explainer videos could help clients. He added that will writers should consider accessible fonts, information that is viewable on mobile devices, and make sure that collateral is explained in plain English.
There is no doubt that the way in which legal services are delivered is changing, with the need to stand out from competitors at an all-time high. Also at SWW, and in full support of Mr Farmer’s comments, our experts at Solve Legal Marketing are committed to helping will writers think outside the box when explaining estate planning to disabled and vulnerable clients.
At the Conference, we provided attendees with guidance on a one-to-one basis, while at the same time broadening our awareness of the subjects being discussed. With first-hand experience of the legal market and an understanding of how difficult it can be to connect with clients, we are keen to do all we can to support will writers who work with vulnerable individuals, their families and carers.
By focussing on how to best to communicate with clients and convey the importance of a will, we can help ensure the best possible outcome for them and the market we serve.
Following on from SWW, as a full-service marketing agency, Solve Legal can provide your business with all the tools needed to engage with vulnerable clients effectively. This includes:
- Specialist copywriting, delivered in plain English, tailored to your target market
- Explainer videos that convey complex information in an easy to understand format
- Accessible web design that meets the needs of those with visual impairments, learning difficulties, hearing loss and more
- Accessible email and mobile campaigns which allow you to engage with clients from the comfort of their inbox
If you’d like to find out more about how we can help you, please email karen.babington@solvelegal.co.uk, or visit www.solvelegal.co.uk.
This article was submitted to be published by Solve Legal Marketing as part of their advertising agreement with Today’s Wills and Probate. The views expressed in this article are those of the submitter and not those of Today’s Wills and Probate.
