Rothera Bray: “We are proud to be a founder member of The National Will Register”

Rothera Bray, a founder member of The National Will Register, illustrates the positive impact of making will searches and registration fundamental parts of their approach. Their long-term commitment reflects a broader shift in the sector, one that sees these practices as integral to risk reduction, client reassurance, and delivering on professional duty.

Why a proactive approach matters

Rothera Bray’s team recognised early on that relying on stored documents or memory alone was not enough. Wills can be misplaced, forgotten, or rendered obsolete as personal circumstances change. Integrating will search and registration as standard steps in their process removes ambiguity and significantly reduces the potential for costly errors.
For over eight years, the firm has embedded these checks into their practice. This is not just for their own peace of mind, but as a way to offer reassurance to clients.

Will registration: safeguarding intentions

Registering a will with The National Will Register ensures that it can be found quickly and easily when needed. Rothera Bray offers this as part of their comprehensive service at no extra charge, reflecting a commitment to ensuring that every client’s instructions will be discoverable.
Registration provides peace of mind for clients and families. Even if documents are mislaid or family members are unaware of final arrangements, registration makes certain that vital information is accessible at the right time, helping to avoid disputes, or the accidental distribution of assets based on an outdated will.

Will searches: reducing risk through diligence

When it comes to the probate process, conducting a will search is now viewed by Rothera Bray and many in the profession as a non-negotiable step. Executors must be confident they are acting on the most recent document. The personal liability involved in estate distribution makes this diligence essential.
A standard will search, as conducted by Rothera Bray, draws on the breadth of The National Will Register’s records and covers a wide range of possible scenarios (including unregistered documents).

The outcome? Greater certainty, fewer disputes, and an administration process built on verified information.

A culture of reassurance and transparency

For clients of Rothera Bray, there is reassurance in knowing these safeguards are in place. The focus remains on transparency, clear communication, and ensuring that every reasonable step has been taken to uphold the testator’s intentions and protect executors as they fulfil their responsibilities.
This approach is about establishing a framework for best practice. By incorporating will searches and registration, Rothera Bray not only fulfils legal and professional obligations, they also support clients through what is often a difficult time, reducing stress and uncertainty.

Industry support and continuous improvement

Membership with The National Will Register goes hand-in-hand with maintaining high standards. Access to training, a dedicated account manager, and sector insights allow Rothera Bray to continually refine their approach and remain aligned with evolving best practice. Their experience highlights how combining robust processes with access to industry resources brings tangible benefits to both firm and client.

The Rothera Bray experience shows that embedding will searches and registration is not just a smart precaution; it is the mark of responsible, modern estate administration. It is a practice guided by diligence and empathy, ultimately helping to ensure that every client’s legacy is protected and their wishes honoured with integrity.

"We are proud to be a founder member of The National Will Register and value this partnership which enables us to enhance the service we can offer to clients by offering reassurance and peace of mind for both testators and executors that the wishes of the testator will be carried out."