What to prepare for independent legal advice

The right document pack helps the solicitor understand the transaction, identify the signing route and tell you what is still needed before the appointment can be confirmed. The exact requirements depend on your matter, so this page is a guide rather than a universal checklist.

Start with the operative document

Provide the document you have actually been asked to sign—not only a screenshot, an old template or a blank example. Depending on the matter, this may be described as a guarantee, deed, legal charge, certificate, consent or another transaction document.

Where available, also provide:

• the current instructions or certificate supplied by the lender, conveyancer or other relevant professional;
• related offer, facility or transaction documents requested for the advice;
• information identifying every person who has been told to obtain advice;
• the stated completion deadline and any signing, witnessing or original-document instructions;
• the identity and address evidence requested through the approved secure process.

Daniel may request additional material after reviewing the documents. Sending a file does not mean it has been accepted as complete or readable.

Make sure the files can be reviewed

Each file should be complete, current and readable. Include every page, including signature pages, certificates, schedules and special conditions. Avoid cropped photographs, missing pages, placeholders and scans where the text cannot be read.

If a file cannot be read or does not appear to be the current operative version, you may be asked to replace it. This is safer than preparing or advising from an incomplete pack.

Why the signing pages matter

The layout can determine whether an electronic route, wet-signature route, outbound original or manual review is needed. A lender name by itself is not enough to determine this. The current wording and signature fields must be checked.

When is the appointment confirmed?

A provisional slot and a payment are not the same as confirmation. The appointment is confirmed only after payment has cleared and the required documents and information have been accepted under the approved process.