Money Laundering checks

lizinsa

Because I'm buying a house, I have to prove my identity to the solicitors as part of the money laundering regulations. As my solicitor is 300 miles away, they have said I can visit a local solicitor who can do these checks on their behalf, does anyone know if they usually charge for this service and if so how much will it approximately be?

Thanks!

FireWyrm

Strange, I just had to provide the usual list of identity documents like passport, driving licence etc. I never saw my solicitor, only talked on the phone and I certainly didn't have to go to yet another solicitor to be verified.

BlueAngelCV

I had to send documents in & my signature had to be witnesses but it didn't have to be by a solicitor.

What is their reasoning for requiring solicitors to check the documents in person rather than you sending them to them?

There will definitely be a fee although it probably won't be much.

Out of interest why are you using solicitors so far away?

lizinsa

Thanks for the speedy replies! I'm using them because they are our family solicitors and are being really helpful to push a sale through. Did you send the originals or just signed copies? I asked if a family member could bring in the documents to their offices and told no that you had to present yourself to a solicitors office. Perhaps the rules have been tightened up recently? To be honest as I work full time and pretty long hours it is proving tricky to get to even a local solicitors office :mad:

gaz141

I scanned copies of all my stuff and emailed it over to them, no problems. I've never met my solicitor.

hotpot1000

my solicitor was 200 miles away, just asked for copies of passport, etc by post

pinkteapot

They probably want originals or certified copies. I would send originals by Special Delivery and ask them to return them by the same method. Probably cheaper than getting a local solicitor to produce certified copies for you.

I've become a lot more relaxed about sending off official documents since I got married - had to send my original marriage certificate (and various other bits) to loads of different companies!

reset1

My solicitor wanted original documents but someone else could bring it in for me. You solicitor is very strict. When i brought it in since they were close by they just photocopy it and gave it back, 2 minutes job. Brought in passport and bank statement for proof of address.

hazyjo

Ring a couple of local solicitors. I work in corporate law in the City and we have the occasional person come up to get something certified. We don't charge. Usually it's someone from a firm in the building or nearby though.

Jx