Using the same solicitor as seller - good or bad idea?

Mortgage_Moog

I'd like to hear from people about whether it's a good or bad idea to use the same solicitor as the other party. I'm about to instruct a solicitor on Monday and I can't decide whether it'd speed things up if we both used the same or if there are any drawbacks.

Is it also easy to change the details of the solicitor with the mortgage provider? I've already told them which firm I plan to use and I don't want to mess things up by changing it.

elsien

You can't use the same solicitor as it's a conflict of interest.
Some companies will allow you to use a different solicitor within the same firm as long as the safeguards are in place.
Personally I'd rather be sure my solicitor was completely independent, especially if using the same firm is the bright idea of the estate agent.

antrobus

Mortgage_Moog wrote: »

I'd like to hear from people about whether it's a good or bad idea to use the same solicitor as the other party. I'm about to instruct a solicitor on Monday and I can't decide whether it'd speed things up if we both used the same or if there are any drawbacks.

Is it also easy to change the details of the solicitor with the mortgage provider? I've already told them which firm I plan to use and I don't want to mess things up by changing it.

With any luck, the solicitor in question will decline to act.

Find another solicitor.

Mortgage_Moog

I suppose it must mean the same company, not the exact same person. I was asked by the estate agent if it's be using the same one but I'd rather keep things separate.

mrginge

Mortgage_Moog wrote: »

I suppose it must mean the same company, not the exact same person. I was asked by the estate agent if it's be using the same one but I'd rather keep things separate.

Is this a solicitor recommended by the EA by any chance?

davidmcn

Mortgage_Moog wrote: »

I suppose it must mean the same company, not the exact same person. I was asked by the estate agent if it's be using the same one but I'd rather keep things separate.

You need a different firm - would you really trust Mr Brown at Bloggs & Co to tell you whether Ms Green at Bloggs & Co is trying to pull the wool over your eyes?

Senior_Paper_Monitor

No problem changing (make sure new solicitor on panel) - if queried, explain you have established current one also acting for vendor and you would prefer to be fully independent even if it was acceptable.

All the comment above is 100% valid.

Mortgage_Moog

Thanks for everyone's help. I think I'll stick with the original plan of using my own people

Mortgage_Moog

davidmcn wrote: »

You need a different firm - would you really trust Mr Brown at Bloggs & Co to tell you whether Ms Green at Bloggs & Co is trying to pull the wool over your eyes?

I read online that solicitors aren't allowed to lie or mislead and must always act in their clients best interest. It did make me smile :j