subject: Is It Better To Use A Local Or Online Conveyancing Service? [print this page] The Legal Services Act of 2011 no enables non-lawyers to own law firms. It is hoped that the framework will offer a new range of services to consumers that are easily accessible over the phone and internet rather than in person. Traditionally legislation has restricted the management and finance of companies providing legal services but now critics, who have labelled the Legal Services Act as Tesco Law, are concerned over the quality of advice being given. One of the first legal businesses to be targeted is conveyancing, which focuses on property law, so if you are buying or selling a property is it a good idea to use these new online services or stick to the more traditional face-to-face service?
The answer to this question really depends on your circumstances. Any conveyancing service, whether online or face-to-face with a solicitor, will still take care of all the paperwork associated with your property transfer. This includes documents like transfer contracts and deeds. However, the level of service you receive after this will vary depending on whether you choose to speak directly with a solicitor or via a third party using an online service.
Before deciding on which approach is right for you it helps to understand the conveyancing process itself. Aside from preparing and negotiating a draft transfer contract your conveyancing solicitor should also endeavour to find any information from the Local Authorities that may affect your decision to buy or sell. This includes things like plans for construction works, boundaries to the property, planning constraints, rights of way, insurance policies and burglary rates. Your conveyancing solicitor will then obtain a Mortgage deed for you to sign and exchange contracts with the other party. They will then make final checks to ensure there is nothing registered against the seller and arrange payment of the Land Registry fees and Stamp Duty. Only then can you receive your transfer documents and title deeds.
Using an online service could save you money although you should be wary of any hidden costs and fees that may not initially be apparent. If you are confident in the process of property transfer and believe it will be a straightforward process then using a basic online service could be all you need. However, property transfer can be a complicated process so if you are concerned about any of the potential issues mentioned above it is perhaps better to use a face-to-face local service that will guide you through the entire process.
by: Alan Trotter
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