I am getting a mortgage offer from Halifax. My intention is to use a Licensed Conveyancer in Glossop. Does the Halifax Conveyancing panel exclude Licensed Conveyancers?
The Halifax conveyancing panel is, like many other lenders, represented by the CML or BSA, open to Licensed Conveyancers regulated by the CLC.
The Glossop conveyancing firm that I recently instructed on my purchase in Glossop have without warning closed. I only went with them because I had to have a firm on the Aldermore conveyancing panel and my previous Glossop lawyer was not. I gave my credit card details for them to take £195 for searches. What do I do now?
Assuming that you have an Estate Agent in the equation then let them know immediately so that they can let the sellers know that there may be a slight delay due to reasons beyond your control. Hopefully they will be sympathetic and urge their lawyer to send a new set of papers to your new solicitors. You will need to appoint new lawyers that are on the Aldermore conveyancing panel and notify the lender. If you have paid over any money, it will hopefully be held by the SRA as money in an intervened firm's bank accounts is transferred to the SRA. Then, the SRA or the intervention agent looks at the intervened firm's accounts to work out who the money belongs to. To claim your money you will need to contact the SRA. If the SRA cannot return money you are owed from the firm's bank accounts, or if they can only return part of the money, you can apply to the Compensation Fund for a grant. Your new solicitors should be in a position to assist.
Am I right to be suspicious that 3rd parties that I am dealing with are recommending an online conveyancing firm rather than a local Glossop conveyancing firm?
As with lots of professional services, often suggestions from relatives can be very helpful. Yet there are numerous players in a conveyancing transaction; estate agents, financial adviser and banks might all suggest solicitors to use. On occasion these conveyancers might be known to one of the organisations as one of the best in their field, but occasionally there is an underlying financial incentive behind the endorsement. You are free to select your preferred lawyer. However, bear in mind that most lenders specify a panel list of conveyancers you are obliged to use for the mortgage related work in your transaction.
My father-in-law has suggested that I appoint his conveyancers in Glossop. Should I use them?
No doubt it’s preferable to select a conveyancing practitioner is to get feedback from friends or family who have experience in using the firm that you are are thinking of instructing.
Do online conveyancing organisations do everything a high street Glossop solicitor does or must I employ a solicitor for the final stages for my conveyancing in Glossop?
Where you use an online conveyancer they should cover all the tasks your Glossop conveyancer will cover.