Exchange of contracts - what paperwork?

[RM2013]

We are hopefully nearing the end of our sale and purchase. We’ve lived here 19 years and I can barely remember the process!!!!
solicitors are saying that enquiries are almost completed so once confirmed we can start discussing completion dates.
however, what I am unsure of is what paperwork eg contracts do we need to sign and when is this done??
we’ve completed the TA6 fixtures and fittings and completed our mortgage deed but is the TR1 form I’ve read about the actual contract? We’ve not seen this yet. Is this something that gets sent before or after exchange of contracts?

sorry to sound a bit clueless I don’t remember from the last time we moved

You will have two contracts to sign. One for your sale and one for your purchase. There will be a SDLT to sign on your purchase. Signing contracts isn’t legally binding until you exchange. Your solicitor will probably send you through a report on your purchase with the purchase contract. The TR1 is the document in connection with your sale and handed over on completion. This is all presuming you live in England as the Scottish process is different.

Thanks @pilates we couldn’t remember what we sign and when and yes it’s England

I think the TR1 needs an independent witness to signature.