A LAW firm based in Bolton has become one of the first in the North West to receive the prestigious Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS) accreditation.

Russell and Russell Solicitors got the WIQS benchmark for best practice and transparency in the provision of wills and estate planning services.

The Law Society-run scheme was established to help customers make informed choices about selecting a legal services provider they could trust.

Judith Bromley, head of wills and probate at Russell and Russell, said: “This is a fantastic achievement. The team has worked extremely hard to attain this certification which really sets us apart from our competitors. More importantly, it demonstrates that we put clients’ interests at the heart of everything we do.”

To achieve WIQS status, the Wood Street-based practice spent six months undergoing a rigorous application and assessment process. During this time the firm was required to demonstrate its adoption of best practice procedures in delivering wills and probate advice.

Ms Bromley added: “Drafting a will or planning a Lasting Power of Attorney is one of the most personal financial decisions you’re likely to make so it’s crucial to ensure it’s done properly.

“There are lots of businesses operating in this area that aren’t regulated and it was important for us to show that we’re committed to standards of excellence in order for customers to have confidence in the quality of our service.”

WIQS is the first Law Society standard for delivering tailored wills and probate advice.

Its stated goal is to benefit consumers by ensuring that they understand the issues in preparing a will or seeking probate advice, and that they are aware of the options, costs and timescales involved in estate planning.

Russell and Russell Solicitors was established in 1887 by William Russell who was joined by his brother, Walter in 1898. The firm has operated from its office in Wood Street, Bolton ever since.

In addition to its head office at Wood Street, the practice also operates from offices in St Georges Road, Bolton as well as Atherton, Bury, Chester, Farnworth, Horwich and Middleton.

Areas of legal services include property, wills and probate, family, personal injury and crime.