Talking directly to vendors solicitor

spook

Quick question:

Is it against the "rules" to start talking directly to the solicitors acting for other people in a chain?

We have a buyer who is desperate to exchange contracts (deadline today or he "may consider pulling out") but we can't seem to get things moving with our purchase. Our vendor is being very helpful and communicative, it just seems to be the solicitors who are moving slowly and not communicating in a timely manner.

Talked to our solicitor today to ask him to put pressure on vendor's solicitor, his response was "I am doing, I sent him a fax yesterday". :rotfl:

moneybunny123

I'd be interested to know the answer to this also. Our buyer's solicitor has also represented us in the past, so we're familiar with him, but they beat us to him in this instance. A couple of times I've wondered whether or not to ring him myself just to chivvy him along, but not known if it's the "done thing"....

kingstreet

They certainly won't tell you anything, for obvious reasons.

You can have a go, but I'd expect them to refer you to your own solicitor for all communications.

Lazzza

The issue is usually over solicitors talking directly to other solicitors' clients. If you approach them there shouldn't be an problem.

DVardysShadow

Your vendor's solicitor is likely to get very shirty with you and they are not obliged to communicate with you.

The best place to go is to your vendor's agent, explain the situation and that he needs to kick the solicitor into action. A good agent will be minded to help - even if he does not work for the buyer.

spook

Interesting, thanks for the replies. Wife did call vendor's sol in the end and left a message asking him to contact our solicitor - don't know if it did any good.

However, I've spoken to vendor this morning and they are ready to exchange, the only remaining delay is some buildings regs certificates that we need, and the logistics of getting a copy of them to our solicitor today. Current plan is for me to drive over to the vendor's house and collect them in person, then hand-deliver them to my solicitor!

This has to be the maddest property transaction ever.

timmyt

spook wrote: »

Quick question:

Is it against the "rules" to start talking directly to the solicitors acting for other people in a chain?

We have a buyer who is desperate to exchange contracts (deadline today or he "may consider pulling out") but we can't seem to get things moving with our purchase. Our vendor is being very helpful and communicative, it just seems to be the solicitors who are moving slowly and not communicating in a timely manner.

Talked to our solicitor today to ask him to put pressure on vendor's solicitor, his response was "I am doing, I sent him a fax yesterday". :rotfl:

use your Estate Agent if the deal needs to be rebrokered, not the legal person! They are getting paid the lowest in the whole deal, they are not there to chase chains.