Independent legal advice for a personal guarantee
If you are asked to guarantee someone else's borrowing, such as a relative's loan or a business you are connected to, the lender will usually require independent legal advice before you sign. A solicitor explains your liability and signs the ILA certificate the lender needs.
- ★ 4.9 · 282 Google reviews
- 70+ lenders
- SRA-regulated solicitors
- Video, or in person in London
Live availability
Free 10-minute consultation
ILA from £140 + VAT per person · fee confirmed on the call
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- ★ 4.9 · 282 Google reviews
- 70+ lenders
- SRA-regulated solicitors
- Video, or in person in London
What is a personal guarantee?
A personal guarantee is a promise to pay another person’s or a company’s debt if they don’t. The lender can then claim the money from you personally, which can put your savings and, in some cases, your home at risk.
Guarantees can be limited to a fixed amount or unlimited, and may cover future borrowing as well as the current loan.
Why does my lender require independent legal advice?
Following Royal Bank of Scotland v Etridge (No 2) [2001], lenders take steps to make sure a guarantor understands what they are signing and is not under pressure or undue influence, particularly where the guarantor receives no direct benefit. The usual step is to require advice from an independent solicitor, who confirms this in a certificate.
What your solicitor will explain
Your maximum liability
Whether the guarantee is capped or unlimited, and what it covers.
What is at risk
How the lender could enforce it, and the effect on your assets and credit record.
Changes without your consent
Whether the borrowing can be increased or extended without asking you.
Your options
Asking for a cap or time limit, or not signing.
Completion deadline close? Same-day appointments available.
Documents you'll need
- The guarantee from the lender
- The loan or facility agreement it relates to
- Your lender's ILA certificate template, if it has one
- Photo ID (passport or driving licence)
- Proof of address dated within the last three months
How it works
- 1
Book a free consultation
Pick a time above. It takes under a minute.
- 2
Speak to your solicitor
An SRA-regulated solicitor explains the risks in plain English, by video or in person in London.
- 3
Certificate sent to your lender
Your signed ILA certificate and documents are dispatched, usually the same day.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get the advice online?
Yes. Most lenders accept advice given by video call, so you can usually be advised from home. If your lender insists on a face-to-face meeting, that can be arranged in London instead.
Is there an ILA solicitor near me?
You don't need one nearby. Our SRA-regulated solicitors advise by video call wherever you are in England and Wales, often the same day, and video advice is accepted in most cases. If you need to meet face to face, appointments are available at the solicitor's office in London.
I'm guaranteeing a family member. Does that change anything?
Family guarantees are exactly where lenders want independent advice, because of the risk of pressure. Your solicitor will speak to you on your own to make sure the decision is yours.
Can I cancel the guarantee later?
It depends on the wording. Some guarantees can be ended for future borrowing, but you usually stay liable for what is already owed. Your solicitor will explain the terms.
How quickly can I get my certificate?
Often the same day. Once your solicitor has your documents and has advised you, the signed certificate is usually sent to your lender, broker or conveyancer the same day.
How much does it cost?
Independent legal advice starts from {price} per person. Your solicitor confirms the fixed fee on your free consultation, before any work starts.
Reviewed by Saba Rehman, Solicitor
SRA-regulated · Last reviewed 9 October 2026