Me and my partner are purchasing a 3 bedroom flat in Shildon with a mortgage. We would like to retain our Shildon conveyancer, but the bank says she’s not on their "panel". We have to appoint one of the bank panel solicitors or keep our Shildon property lawyer as well as pay for one of their panel firms to represent them. We consider that this is unjust; is there anything we can do?
No, not really. Your mortgage offer is subject to its terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers will on the bank’s conveyancing panel. Until recently, most lenders had large numbers of law firms on their panels: a borrower could choose one for themselves, as long as it was on the lender's panel. The lender would then simply instruct the borrower's lawyers to act for the lender, too. You can use your lender's panel lawyers or you could borrow from another lender which does not restrict your choice. Another option that might be available is for your Shildon conveyancing solicitor to apply to be on the conveyancing panel.
We see that you have a search directory identifying solicitors on the Nationwide conveyancing panel. Do firms pay you a referral fee if I appoint them for our conveyancing in Shildon?
We are a listing service only for law firms wishing to communicate if they are on the Nationwide conveyancing panel or other lender panels. We do not charge referral fees to any conveyancer that you subsequently appoint for your conveyancing in Shildon.
What is the optimum way to investigate if the solicitor carrying out my conveyancing in Shildon is on the lender’sapproved panel? I am looking to avoid the situation of having one lawyer for me and one for National Westminster Bank thus spending £175.00 in further legal fees.
You should take advantage of the find a lender approved solicitor tool on this web page. Pick the mortgage company and type ‘Shildon’ or your location and you will see a number of lawyer offices in Shildon or by proximity to you.
I understand that there are debates on Chancel Insurance on online forums. Do I need chancel insurance when buying a residence in Shildon? or I am told that there is historic law that could mean that owners of property residing in a parish church boundary may be liable to pay for maintenance towards the chancel in proximity to the church. Is this appropriate for conveyancing in Shildon?
Unless a previous purchase of the house took place after 12 October 2013 you may take it that lawyers conducting conveyancing in Shildon to continue to recommend a chancel search and or insurance against a claim.
I used Stirling Law several years ago for my conveyancing in Shildon. I now require my papers but the law firm has closed. What do I do?
Do contact the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) to help locate 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 Shildon of the conveyancing firm of solicitors you previously instructed, the name of conveyancing solicitor with whom you had dealings, and the date on which you last had dealings with the firm.
Should I be wary that 3rd parties that I am dealing with are recommending a factory type conveyancing firm rather than a High Street Shildon conveyancing firm?
As is the case with many service providers, often suggestions from relatives can be worth their weight in gold. Nevertheless there are lots of players in a conveyancing deal; estate agents, mortgage brokers and mortgage companies may suggest solicitors to use. Sometimes the conveyancers might be known to one of the organisations as being good in their field, but occasionally there exists a financial incentive behind the endorsement. You are free to appoint your own conveyancer. However, bear in mind that many mortgage providers specify a panel list of solicitors you have to use for the mortgage related work in your transaction.