Independent legal advice, explained clearly

If you have been told to obtain independent legal advice, the first step is to understand exactly what the current documents require. The type of document, the people involved, the certificate wording and the signing format can all affect whether the matter can proceed remotely and what must happen before an appointment is confirmed.

Daniel McAfee provides independent legal advice by video for supported matters. Before you choose an appointment, the service checks the document and signing route so that unclear or unsupported requirements can be identified before payment wherever possible.

What happens during independent legal advice?

The appointment is a private conversation between you and Daniel. The purpose is to discuss the document you have been asked to sign and its consequences for you. The precise advice depends on the current documents and your circumstances.

The person benefiting from the document, the borrower and other interested parties should not take part in your private advice. If another person also needs advice, they may need a separate matter and appointment.

The process

1. Check fit. Tell us what you have been asked to sign, who is involved and what the current document says about certificates, signatures, witnesses or originals.
2. Provide the minimum documents. The operative document and current instructions are reviewed for the correct route. Additional documents may be requested.
3. Choose a provisional time and pay. A selected slot is not yet a confirmed appointment.
4. Complete readiness. Your appointment becomes confirmed only after payment has cleared and the required documents and information have been accepted.
5. Attend the video appointment. Daniel provides the advice appropriate to the matter.
6. Complete the agreed output. The certificate, record or other agreed output is issued using the supported signing route.

Payment, confirmation and delivery are different stages. A matter is not delivered merely because it has been paid for or because a call has taken place.

Can every matter be handled online?

No. Some documents require clarification, a physically present witness, an original document route or another step that is not supported remotely. If the requirement is unclear, the matter should go to manual review rather than being treated as automatically eligible.

What should I prepare?

Start with the document you have been asked to sign and any current instructions or certificate supplied with it. You may also need identity/address evidence and related transaction documents. The exact list depends on the matter.