subject: How Do I Choose A Conveyancing Solicitor? [print this page] Conveyancing is the legal transfer of ownership of a property from buyer to seller. Depending on whether you are buying a home or selling your home you will have to contact a conveyancing solicitor at different stages in the process. When selling your home it is advisable to seek legal help immediately to make the process as streamlined at possible. If you are buying a house you will only need to instruct a solicitor once you have found the home you wish to purchase. Solicitor will not only deal with contracts, money exchange and financial checks but will also give you advice about the process you are going through, should you need it.
When choosing someone for legal instruction when buying or selling you can either:
1. Choose a licensed conveyancer, who specialises in property law. They would not be able to help you with any legal advice should anything present itself which caused a legal difficulty beyond the reach of property law. However, this is unlikely to occur in the sale or purchase of a house. Licensed conveyancers are regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC).
2. Employ a solicitor. They will have knowledge of areas of law beyond property law. However, because of this they will be more expensive.
You also have the option to do the conveyancing yourself, but if something goes wrong you are going to be personally liable. You also are likely to overlook issues which would be immediately obvious to the seasoned eye. It also may potentially make your buyer or seller nervous should they not feel that you have full knowledge of what you are doing.
Remember that if you have hired a conveyancing solicitor if you have any issues, firstly you will be able to take the issue up them directly, but that if you should need it there are higher regulatory bodies that you can contact, such as the CLC, should you wish to complain further. If you decide to do the conveyancing yourself it will be you and only you who will be held responsible.
Shop around, conveyancing is a competitive field and you will be able to get a wide range of quotes. However, cheaper will not necessarily be the best, do take the time to talk to the solicitors you are considering instructing, it is vital you can converse with your solicitor easily. You want to feel comfortable with the solicitor you have instructed and feel confident they will do a good job, with your best interests at heart. You will want to be updated regularly as you will have a lot of financial and emotional investment in the transaction that is taking place.
