Is the fact that my conveyancer in Godstone is not listed on my bank's conveyancing panel that there is a problem with the quality of his conveyancing?
It would not be wise to jump to that conclusion. There are plenty of plausible explanations. A recent report by the solicitors regulator indicated 76% of law firms surveyed had been removed from at least one lender panel. The top 5 reasons are as follows: (1) lack of transactions (2) the lawyer is a sole practitioner (3) as part of the HSBC panel reduction (4) regulatory contact by SRA (5) accidental removal. If you are concerned you should simply call the Godstone conveyancing practice and enquire why they are no longer on the approved list for your lender.
My husband and I are nearing an exchange on a flat in Godstone and my parents have sent the exchange deposit to my property lawyer. I am now told that as the deposit has not come from me my lawyer needs to disclose this to my lender. Apparently, in also acting for the bank he must inform them that the balance of the purchase price is coming from anyone other than me. I informed the lender concerning my parents' contribution when I applied for the mortgage, so is it really appropriate for him to raise this?
Your lawyer is duty bound to clarify with lender to make sure that they understand that the balance of the purchase price is not from your own funds. The solicitor can only disclose this to your mortgage company if you permit them to, failing which, your lawyer must cease to continue acting.
I have 70 years unexpired on my lease and require a lease extension for my apartment in Godstone. Conveyancing solicitors on the Tesco Bank panel can deal with such extensions correct?
Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are getting a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Tesco Bank have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 10/4/2024 the requirements read as follows :
I used Wolstenholmes several years ago for my conveyancing in Godstone. I now require my file but the law firm has closed. What do I do?
You should contact 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 Godstone of the conveyancing firm of solicitors you previously hired, the name of conveyancing solicitor with whom you had dealings, and the date on which you last had dealings with the firm.
Living abroad I am unable to travel my Godstone conveyancing practitioners office to sign documents connected to my conveyancing in Godstone – will this be problematic?
You need not be concerned. Godstone conveyancing solicitors can conduct conveyancing transactions for clients nationally. You are unlikely to be required to meet your lawyer in the flesh at a Godstone conveyancers office. Almost all conveyancing practitioner can handle all communications remotely from their Godstone premises.