How long does independent legal advice take?

A typical timeline

1. Free consultation (10 minutes). You book a time, a solicitor calls, and they confirm what’s needed and the fixed fee.
2. Documents sent (minutes to hours). You email the lender’s documents, certificate template and your ID.
3. Advice meeting (30 to 60 minutes). By video, or in person if the lender requires it.
4. Signing and certificate (same day). The solicitor completes the certificate and sends it to your lender, broker or conveyancer.

When everything is ready, the whole process can be finished within a working day.

What causes delays

The documents aren’t ready

The solicitor can’t advise on documents they haven’t seen. Ask your broker or conveyancer for the final versions as early as possible.

The wrong certificate

Many lenders insist on their own certificate. If it’s missing, or the solicitor signs the wrong one, the lender may reject it. Find the lender’s template before your appointment. See what an ILA certificate is.

Witnessing

Deeds usually need a witness who is physically present when you sign. If you’re overseas, or the lender insists the solicitor witnesses in person, arranging that can take longer. See whether ILA can be done by video.

Several people to advise

Each person usually needs a separate, private meeting. If three directors are guaranteeing a loan, allow for three appointments.

Overseas clients

Notarisation, legalisation or courier of original documents can add days. See ILA for overseas clients.

How to get your certificate faster

• Book the free consultation as soon as you know ILA is needed.
• Have photo ID and proof of address ready.
• Get the lender’s certificate template from your broker or conveyancer.
• Check how the lender wants documents signed and returned.
• Be somewhere private and quiet for the video call.

Urgent cases

If your completion date is close, tell us when you book. We’ll do our best to find a same-day appointment, including outside normal hours where possible.