FAQ


Conveyancing
How long will it take?

If the property is vacant, then it will take just a few weeks. If you are selling and buying and all properties are occupied, then there will be a chain of transactions to bring together and it will take longer.

We always do all we can to progress your transaction as quickly as possible.

What Searches do you carry out?

There are four main types of search that can be carried out and we decide which is necessary for each particular case. These are:

Local Authority Search

This reveals details of the planning history for the property and whether the Council is aware of any planning breaches. The search will hopefully confirm that the road is adopted and maintained at public expense. However, it does not search against neighbouring land. So, if you are concerned about any possible developments in the vicinity, you will need to visit the Council to check on this personally.

Drainage Search

This will show whether or not the surface and/or foul water drains run into a public or private sewer.

Land Registry Search

This is carried out before completion to ascertain if any new mortgages or other entries have been registered against the property that have not previously been disclosed.

Land Charges Search

If you are obtaining a mortgage, the lender will ask us to carry out a search to ensure that you are not bankrupt. Quite often, this search will show an entry against somebody else with a similar name. If this happens, we will ask you to sign a copy of the search to confirm that the entry does not relate to you.

Can I exchange contracts before I receive my mortgage offer?

We would strongly advise that you do not exchange contracts until you have received a satisfactory mortgage offer. The offer may be declined or delayed or it may contain conditions that you cannot comply with.

What does 'exchange of contracts' mean?

Exchange of contracts means that both the seller and the buyer are committed beyond the point of no return. On exchange a 'moving in' date is inserted in the contract. Until contracts are formally exchanged, either party is free to change their mind and to decide not to proceed.

What are disbursements?

These are payments made to third parties on your behalf, i.e., search fees, stamp duty, Land Registry fees etc.

Wills & Probate
Do I need to make a will?

Yes. If you do not make a will, the State has a set of rules governing who will inherit your money and assets. If you die without a will, your husband or wife will not necessarily inherit all your assets. If you leave surviving descendants (parents, children, brothers/sisters or nephews/nieces) then they may be entitled to part of your estate. Also, depending on the size of your estate, inheritance tax may be payable. It is therefore very important that you decide who is to receive your estate, rather than letting the government make the decision for you.

Can an executor benefit under a will?

Yes, provided the executor does not witness the will.

Do you still need a Grant of Probate if a will has been made?

In all probability, the answer will be yes. Unless the deceased's estate is very small (normally less than £10,000.00) Grant of Probate will be required to enable the Executor(s) to deal with the affairs of the deceased.

Personal Injury
Can I have a sub?

Yes, you can have a £300 sub.

When will I get my cheque?

At the conclusion of the case, which we will try to make as soon as possible.

How much money am I likely to get?

The medical evidence we will obtain will play a large part, however we at Paul Crowley & Co, will fight to get you as much money as possible.

Crime
Will I be found 'not guilty'?

We will have very experienced people dealing with your case who will get the best possible result for you.

What will I get if convicted of this?

We have Solicitors and Barristers who have dealt with many cases like yours. Trust us to do our best for you.

How much will it cost me?

In most cases where you are charged by police with a criminal charge you may be entitled to legal aid. We can quickly work out if you qualify. Even if you are employed, legal aid may still be available to you.