INDEPENDENT LEGAL ADVICE

URGENT COMPLETION? FAST TURN AROUND

INDEPENDENTLEGAL ADVICE

☑️ Remote appointments

☑️ Fixed Fees

☑️ Same Day Response

Expert, impartial legal advice tailored to meet UK mortgage lender requirements. Personal guarantees, JBSP loans, and property transfers.

You may be required to obtain independent legal advice if you are taking out a business loan or a residential mortgage, entering into a legal agreement or standing as a guarantor for another person. The purpose of obtaining this advice is straightforward, to ensure that you fully understand the financial risks and implications of the documentation which you are signing and that you are signing the same without being coerced.

The requirement for obtaining independent legal advice is rooted in two landmark House of Lords decisions - Barclays Bank v O'Brien[1994] and Royal Bank of Scotland v Etridge (No 2) [2001] - which establishes clear obligations on lenders to ensure that co-signatories, guarantors and other potentially vulnerable parties receive genuinely independent advice before taking on serious financial commitments.

Unfortunately and more often than not, the need for this certified independent advice arises towards the end of a matter which can cause major delays and undue stress. We remove these delays and complications and offer remote independent legal advice by Teams & *.

FAST AND QUALIFIED ADVICE

1 - send us your documentation

2 - video call with a qualified solicitor

3 - deed signing and witnessing (wet-ink signatures)

4 - 24 hour dispatch

BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT

PRICING

For when you have more time.

• £250.00 + VAT (per person).

• Appointments within 3 to 7 days.

• Recommended for those who know they will need certified advice.

TIER 2

TIER 4

TIER 3

TIER 1

£250.00 + VAT

£350.00 + VAT

If you need advice within a few days.

• £350.00 + VAT (per person).

• Appointments within 1 to 3 days.

• Recommended for those who need certified advice within a few days.

£500.00 + VAT

£750.00 + VAT

When time is of crucial importance.

• £500.00 + VAT (per person).

• Appointments within 12 to 24 hours.

• Recommended for those who need certified advice the very next day.

When there is very little time left.

• £750.00 + VAT (per person).

• Appointments within 12 to 24 hours.

• Recommended for those who need certified advice by the afternoon.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I know if I need advice?

If you are asked to sign an agreement that carries personal liability or significant financial commitments, you will likely require Independent Legal Advice (ILA). This applies to a wide range of situations, including business loan guarantees and settlement agreements.

If you are uncertain about your requirements, contact our team, and we will help you determine whether ILA is necessary for your situation.

How is this different from my own solicitor giving me advice?

Your primary solicitor—such as your conveyancer or regular business lawyer—generally cannot provide Independent Legal Advice (ILA) on the same transaction.

Because ILA strictly requires complete independence, a lawyer acting for you, your business, or alongside the lender's legal team has an inherent conflict of interest in the eyes of the lender. To meet legal standards, ILA must be provided by a solicitor with no other involvement in the deal. This is why you are often advised to instruct an entirely separate firm, and booking directly with us is typically much faster than sourcing another third-party practice.

What documentation do I need to provide?

Depending on your matter type:

• The Legal Document: The document requiring your signature (e.g., guarantee, deed, mortgage offer, or legal charge).

• Lender Instructions: Any accompanying cover letter or instructions provided by your lender or their solicitor.

• Photographic ID: A valid passport or UK driving licence.

• Proof of Address: A bank statement, utility bill, or council tax letter dated within the last three months.

How can I contact you?

You can reach us on the contact number or e-mail address at the top or bottom of this page or alternatively complete our Contact form and we will respond as soon as possible (we aim to respond to all messages and enquiries within a 24 hours period).

How quickly can I make an appointment?

An appointment can be made for the same day, depending on your circumstances.

We understand the stress the delays caused by a request for certified can have on your transaction so we have designed our system so that the process is as quick as efficient as possible. 

Do I really need independent legal advice?

It’s easy to feel as if getting independent legal advice is just a formality, but it’s actually a vital step in protecting your interests.

Whether it’s a business loan, mortgage, or a personal guarantee, you’re often agreeing to significant commitments. Having an independent legal advice solicitor ensures that you fully understand what you’re signing and the potential consequences.

In many cases, it’s not just recommended—it’s a legal requirement to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure that you’re making an informed decision.