Find a Law Firm
approved by Scottish Widows
Ready to buy a new home? Failing to check that a lawyer is on the Scottish Widows list of approved solicitors can put your transaction at risk of delay or failure.
Find an Approved Solicitor on the Scottish Widows Bank plc Conveyancing Panel
Scottish Widows Conveyancing Panel : Questions and Answers
I appointed a law firm to conduct the legal paperwork on my house purchase 4 weeks ago having applied for a mortgage with Scottish Widows. The solicitors assured me that they are on Scottish Widows conveyancing panel and advised me their panel reference. Scottish Widows then ,via my broker advised that their panel number was dormant and would need to be reactivated. What do I do from here? Should I appoint a new solicitor listed on the approved panel for Scottish Widows?
The answer depends on whether you still have confidence in the said solicitors and how long it will take for the firm to be reinstated on the Scottish Widows conveyancing panel You may wish to enlist the help of your broker to check with the Scottish Widows as to the time frame to get your lawyer reinstated on the panel once again.
We are due to exchange on the purchase a house but as a result of damage from the recent storms I have agreed compensation from the seller of £3k approx by way of a reduction in the price. This was going to be dealt with as part of the conveyancing process but my mortgage company Scottish Widows will not agree to this. Why was Scottish Widows even consulted?
Your lawyer being on the Scottish Widows conveyancing panel is duty bound to inform Scottish Widows of any changes to the purchase price. If you were to refuse your lawyers to disclose the reduction to Scottish Widows then they would have to discontinue acting for you and Scottish Widows.
I see that you have a post code search directory identifying firms on the Scottish Widows conveyancing panel. Do firms pay you a commission if I instruct them for my own conveyancing?
We are a listing service only for law firms wishing to communicate if they are on the Scottish Widows conveyancing panel or other lender panels. We do not charge referral fees to the any conveyancer that you subsequently appoint.
I am considering refinancing my house does my lawyer have to be on the Scottish Widows Solicitor panel?
In theory, you could use a solicitor that is not on Scottish Widows conveyancing panel, but Scottish Widows would require one of their panel solicitors to be instructed to act in their interests, and you'd have to pay for this - so most people instruct a panel solicitor. It's also easier, as otherwise you'd have to deal with two solicitors for the same conveyancing matter.
Are all Conveyancing Quality Solicitors on the Scottish Widows conveyancing panel?
It is true that some lenders now use CQS as the starting point for Panel membership such as HSBC and Santander. The Law Society’s CQS accreditation however is no guarantee to lender panel acceptance. That being said,the CML have indicated that it is likely to become a pre-requisite for firms wishing to remain on their approved list of firms.
We have agreed to purchase a house.One unusual aspect is that the roof has a solar panel. Solicitors conducting should look into this right? Will my lender Scottish Widows be concerned
As your lender is Scottish Widows your lawyer must to check the Scottish Widows conveyancing instructions contained in the Part of CML Handbook for Scottish Widows . The CML Handbook contains minimum requirements for solar panel roof-space leases, and solicitors are required to report to Scottish Widows where a lease does not meet these requirements. The requirements relate to the installation of panels on properties in England and Wales. The CML are developing guidance for Northern Ireland and Scotland.
We were going to get a DIP from Scottish Widows this week so we know how much we could potentially offer as otherwise we are dependent on web based calculators (which aren't taking into account credit checks etc).Do the Scottish Widows recommend a solicitor on the Scottish Widows conveyancing panel, or is it better to find our own lawyer
You will need to appoint solicitors independently although you'll need to choose one on the Scottish Widows conveyancing panel. The solicitor represents both you and the Scottish Widows through the process.