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Original poster

Will solicitors and removals companies be working during the closures?

34 replies

CatAndHisKit · 18/03/2020 02:00

Just wonder if anyone got any info from either of these?
I would say removals would take on jobs, especially smaller ones, if it's only 2-3 guys working, not too risky. But would they have a choice?

OP posts:
rottiemum88 · 18/03/2020 02:49

My mum is moving house tomorrow. The removal company confirmed this evening they're still coming. She'll be living with a friend in the short term but we've just instructed a solicitor to act for us buying what will be her new house. All seems to be carrying on as normal, for now at least

eurochick · 18/03/2020 02:54

I'm a lawyer and we are working as usual, just remotely.

Dallowgill · 18/03/2020 03:17

My husband has a removal company and he’s very busy. He has four members of staff and they are taking as many precautions as they can bar face masks, they couldn’t breathe properly. I’m going to make to anti bac spray if they run low and they know not to come in if feeling unwell. They all have young families so we are conscious that we have to protect their families but they also all have bills to pay. Obviously if the situation changes we will close for a bit.

wherethewavesarehighest · 18/03/2020 03:20

Dh does removals and he's working. They are keeping all current bookings as far as I know, but they are very quiet.

MinnieMountain · 18/03/2020 06:49

Another solicitor here who's remote working.

TheRedShoes75 · 18/03/2020 06:53

Yep another solicitor working remotely and doing all the normal stuff

Fleurchamp · 18/03/2020 06:53

Solicitor here who is remote working too - for a small high street firm (even we can manage it with the lack of IT resources of bigger firms).
We have one person going in each day to collect and check post, answer phones, deal with faxes (yes, faxes are still used by some lenders!) and our accounts staff are set up remotely to deal with all payments.
We are trying to run as normal for as long as possible but things may become stretched if staff are unable to work due to illness/ having children off.

MinnieMountain · 18/03/2020 07:19

Other solicitors on here, can I ask how you're dealing with amending contracts and sending them to clients to sign?
Currently we have designated people in the office to do that.

Fleurchamp · 18/03/2020 08:06

@MinnieMountain I am a private client solicitor so I don't actually know.... I will try to find out. I do know at our last meeting they were discussing electronic signatures but I don't know if that was implemented

MozziesLoveMe · 18/03/2020 10:56

Can I ask about signatures that need to be witnessed? We need a couple of signatures witnessing and then hopefully we'll be able to arrange exchange and completion dates.

LBOCS2 · 18/03/2020 10:58

DSis is moving on Friday and the company have confirmed that it's all going ahead as expected, as it stands.

Fleurchamp · 18/03/2020 11:32

@MozziesLoveMe we are still witnessing documents for our own clients but usually a friend/ neighbour can do it for you. I appreciate this will be impossible if self isolating.

edgeware · 18/03/2020 11:33

We’re moving next week, firm have said several times they will still do the move. Still petrified though.

redwoodmazza · 18/03/2020 14:31

Big legal firm locally to me is having SERIOUS cash flow issues. Staff advised they need to take drastic pay cuts... Shock

Original poster
CatAndHisKit · 18/03/2020 20:19

thank you - great to hear from the solicitors, sounds like you are well-organised! The thing is I haven't instructed one yet as I'm waiting for a firm offer, will you be taking new instructions?

Removals posters - oh yes, I'm well aware they are operating as normal now and next week, I'm worried about a month time or more! I wonder if they will be allowed to work as delivery people will always work, but would a house move be seen as 'essential' - prob not, worrying for both movers and workers of course.

OP posts:
MinnieMountain · 19/03/2020 14:59

We're definitely taking new instructions. We've been doing most things by email for a few months now.

Original poster
CatAndHisKit · 20/03/2020 01:39

thanks, Minnie. Tbh I think my main problem is going to be getting viewings/offers, but IF it happens, that's reassuring.

OP posts:
MozziesLoveMe · 20/03/2020 11:46

So tried to get our signatures witnessed this morning, but it's not happening apparently because everyone is self isolating. Now what?? We obviously can't proceed without this.

Fleurchamp · 20/03/2020 12:14

What are you trying to have witnessed @MozziesLovesMe ? Does it have to be a solicitor?

One of my clients needs to swear an affidavit and I can't find another solicitor to administer it, very frustrating!

GU24Mum · 20/03/2020 20:40

@FLeurchamp - where are you/where is your client? Can it be done by someone standing a bit outside someone's front door and carefully hadding the doc over to get it sworn?

Fleurchamp · 20/03/2020 20:44

@Gu24mum client is in Kent. My secretary phoned about a dozen firms, all refused. Aargh.

GU24Mum · 20/03/2020 20:51

Sorry - I'm in Surrey and would have tried to help (at a distance.........) otherwise.

Original poster
CatAndHisKit · 20/03/2020 23:49

Is signature witnessing needed for the conveyancing?

OP posts:
GU24Mum · 21/03/2020 04:01

You don't need it to exchange contracts but do need it for the Land Registry docs and if you have a mortgage deed to sign.

At the moment you can't witness someone's signature over Skype etc though perhaps that's a stage they may need to sort out pretty quickly?

MinnieMountain · 21/03/2020 08:51

At the conveyancing update course I went on 2 weeks ago, the trainer said the Land Registry has a new "making shit up" department. I wonder if they'll actually be helpful now [hollow laugh].