Unfortunately I am unable to travel far from Brent Park. What is the rationale as to why all Brent Park conveyancers are not on all bank panels?

A decade ago most banks displayed an attitude to risk which differs from the current day. The financial regulator in 2010 instigated a thematic review into mortgage fraud which in summary warned lenders: know the lawyers on your panel. Accordingly, lenders have since looked to extract more information from law firms regarding their operations and the staff who work for them and set certain criteria such as completing a minimum volume of transactions. Thousands of law practices have been excluded from lender panels even though they had an exemplary disciplinary record, no complaints and no claims and didn't just 'dabble' in conveyancing. Such firms found it impossible satisfy the criteria of volume of transactions the lenders insisted on.

I used Wolstenholmes a few years ago for my conveyancing in Brent Park. Now, I need the files however the law firm is no longer operating. What do I do?

Do call the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) to assist in tracing your conveyancing files. They can be contacted on please contact on 0870 606 2555. Alternatively, you should use their online form to make an enquiry. You will need to provide the SRA with as much information as possible to assist their search, including the name and address in Brent Park of the conveyancing firm of solicitors you previously retained, the name of conveyancing solicitor with whom you had dealings, and the date on which you last had dealings with the firm.

Is it simple use your search app to choose a conveyancing solicitor in Brent Park on the panel for my bank?

First select a mortgage company such as National Westminster Bank, Chelsea Building Society or Aldermore then specify your preferred area for example Brent Park. Conveyancing practices in Brent Park and beyond will then be identified.

My father has recommend that I instruct his lawyers for conveyancing in Brent Park. Should I find my own conveyancer?

No doubt it’s preferable to find a conveyancing solicitor is to seek recommendations from friends or family who have actually experience in using the firm that you are considering.

Being a tenant I am liable for a maintenance contribution for my first floor flat in Brent Park. As a result of personal circumstances I fell into arrears with payments. I negotiated a clearance plan but there remains two currently due.

I am under pressure to dispose of the property and I am nervous that this will hold me back if I have to discharge the amount due in advance. Do I have to settle before - is this practicable?

It would be wise to clarify with the property lawyer conducting your Brent Park conveyancing but one option could be to arrange for the debt to be transferred to the purchasers. The sale price they pay would be reduced to reflect the amount of debt they assume. They would then discharge the outstanding monies once they are the owners.