Tips and recommendations 

Can I request a copy of my file from my solicitor?

Leia Doyle

Can I request a copy of my file from my solicitor?

The solicitor is not obliged to hand over the following categories of documents: Therefore, a solicitor can decline any request for a ‘file’ of documents and only provide those which the client is actually entitled to.

How long does a solicitor have to keep records?

Many solicitors view the minimum period that any file should be kept for as six years, the primary limitation period under the Limitation Act 1980. Most claims are made within this period.

How long do solicitors keep wills UK?

Residential Conveyancing: Sale files should be retained for six years and 15 years for purchase files, although 12 years would be sufficient to cover most situations. Wills/Codicils: Files should be retained for six years after the testator has died and the estate has been wound up.

What has happened to kingly solicitors?

Kingly Solicitors was a 16-office law firm consolidator was closed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority on 12 August 2020, putting 180 staff out of work and leaving creditors owed £17m. The single largest award was for a solicitor whose £19,100 award included £12,600 for an unpaid bonus.

What documents do solicitors need?

Essential house documents your solicitor should provide

  • Title Deeds. Normally you won’t have title deeds – this is because the Land Registry records are now all digital.
  • Copy of the lease.
  • Management pack.
  • Report on title.
  • Property information form.
  • Fittings and contents form.
  • Warranty.
  • Stamp duty receipt.

How does a solicitor verify identity?

Your solicitor will need proof of your identity and your address. In most cases you can prove your identity by providing your current passport or photographic driving licence. To prove your address, you will need to provide a recent (ie not more than three months old) utility bill, bank statement or council tax bill.

How long do solicitor searches take?

How long do conveyancing searches take? Searches usually take around 2 weeks, but some take three weeks and others can be up to six weeks if particularly complicated the local authority in question is particularly busy.

Do Solicitors check bank statements?

It is important that Solicitors have proof of where the funds initially came from. Solicitors will also require bank statements showing the funds in the account of the person giving the gift and then bank statements showing the funds being received into the clients account.

Why do solicitors ask for bank statements?

Bank statements covering an extended period of time to show how savings were accumulated. A letter from a relative or friend to confirm that they have gifted you the money and evidence of how they themselves acquired it (such as a bank statement). Evidence of an inheritance from the executors of a will.

Why do solicitors need proof of address?

Before a Solicitor can proceed with any type of transaction, it is vital for clients to provide their photographic identification and proof of address. If client do not wish to provide their ID documents, Solicitors will not be able to proceed with the transaction.

Do you need a certified copy to see a solicitor?

Ideally, your Accountant/Solicitor will need to see originals of these documents, and with personal ID, will need to see the person to whom the document relates. Where this is not possible, your Solicitor/Accountant will accept an original certified copy.

Where can I download a letter of instruction from a solicitor?

Further to our email and fax with the attachments of the Letter of Instruction and Letter Offer, you can download the standard documents by clicking the respective links. Contact us at [email protected] should you encounter any difficulties downloading the files. MOD Structured Products and Negotiable Instruments of Deposit – English

What do solicitors need to know about a company?

Your Accountant/Solicitor will need to see a group structure diagram for the whole corporate group in order to determine the exact requirements. Broadly, for private companies we will need to see the company’s incorporation documents and ID documents for key directors as well as senior management if not also directors.

Do you need a solicitor to witness a document?

There is no benefit to having a document witnessed by a solicitor. We will not generally witness a document for someone who is not a client with an active matter. Often institutions will require a document witnessed by a solicitor to ensure certain advice is given on the document. We may assist but this cannot be dealt with on an ad hoc basis.