Terms & Conditions

Payments

We will require an initial payment on account of £200 before work commences, to cover our outlay for pre-contract searches. We may at our option hold such initial payment on account as a security and deduct it from the final bill.

The method of payment for costs on account may be personal cheque or cash up to maximum sum of £250.

Payment of deposit for exchange of contracts, balance of purchase money for completion and of remaining legal expenses itemised to you on a Statement of Account for completion must be paid prior to exchange or completion, as the case may be. Such payments must be in the form of a Building Society drawn cheque, Bankers Draft or Bank Telegraphic Transfer. Time is of the essence for these payments.

Payment is due immediately on presentation of an invoice. Any sums remaining unpaid after 30 days will become liable to interest from that date at the rate of 4% above Barclays Bank PLC Base rate for the periods in question until payment is made

Under professional rules, we will pay to you the interest accrued on sums held on your behalf if this exceeds £20. We are, however, under no obligation to get the best rates of interest available.

The Solicitors (Non-Contentious Business) Remuneration Order 1994

If you are not satisfied with the amount of our fee you have the right to ask us to obtain a Remuneration Certificate from the Law Society. This will either say our fee is fair and reasonable or it will substitute a lower fee.

If you wish us to obtain such a Certificate you must ask us to do so within a month of receiving this notice or the invoice, whichever is later.

If you ask us to obtain a Remuneration Certificate, then unless we already hold the money to cover the fees, you must first pay half our fee and all the expenses and disbursements we have incurred, as shown on the bill. You may however ask the Law Society (at 8 Dormer Place Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV32 5AE) to waive this requirement so that you do not have to pay anything for the time being. You would have to show that exceptional circumstances apply in your case.

Verification of Your Identity

We are required by the Law Society rules and also by most mortgage lenders to verify your identity under the Money Laundering Regulations 1993. Please produce to us on or before exchange of contracts your original passports or photo driving licence for inspection so that these can be photocopied and thereafter returned to you. This will normally be done on the appointment to sign contract documents.

Retention

We shall have the right to retain all documents property and money belonging to yourself relating to any matter being dealt with on your behalf until we have received full payment of all outstanding sums.

Communication between you and us

We are confident of providing a high quality service in all respects. If, however, you have any queries or concerns about our work for you, please raise them in the first instance with the person handling your case. If you would prefer not to do so or if that does not resolve the problem to your satisfaction you should contact the Practice Manager.

Complaints Procedure

Any formal complaint by you should be addressed to the Practice Manager in writing. The complaint will, if possible, be resolved within 14 days of receipt of the form. If he is unable to do so, you may write to the Principal. If it is not possible to resolve the complaint internally, you may refer the matter to the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors whose address is:

Victoria Court
8 Dormer Place
Leamington Spa
Warwickshire CV32 5AE

Tel:01926 820 082/Fax: 01926 431 435