Solicitor wants 2 x ID before making an initial appointment. Is that normal?

[Turtletunes]

Hi, I've plucked up the courage to phone a solicitor to make a one off appointment to see where I stand financially when and if I ask my husband for a divorce. I said on the phone I wanted a one off appointment to get some advice about divorce. They emailed me (I had prepared a hotmail email address just in case ) and have asked me to fill in and return a new client form along with 2 sets of ID before making an appointment. Is that normal? I was hoping I could just go along and get some hypothetical advice. I can manage to sneakily do it I guess, but it will be a little difficult to do without being spotted taking ID out of OH's office. I just wondered if it was normal and I should do it or phone another solicitor?

Did you ask why they wanted ID? Is it a free consultation or are you paying for it? I had a free 1 hour consultation a while ago - didn't need any ID. I then booked a paid for appointment and was asked for proof of address plus photo ID at that appointment.

No, I didn't ask why they wanted ID because they didn't say on the phone they wanted ID, just that they would e-mail me a new client form which I thought was fair enough. But in the covering e-mail it says "Once I have received the completed form and two forms of ID, I will be able to do some checks and then be in a position to contact you to make an appointment with one of our solicitors." What checks I wonder? It sounds a bit ominous.

Yeah, think they like to have it on file as it’ll be less hassle for you if stuff does go ahead. So many organisations require copies of bits so it’s easier for them just to have it on file so they can get the ball rolling quite quickly

That’s odd, never been asked to do that! Perhaps approach a different solicitor?

I had to show ID to make a will.

Yes its because of money laundering rules they have to check identity and most firms will get the admin staff to do this so its easier to do it at the start. It also means they can check if there is a conflict of interest for eg if they have ever acted for your partner as they cant represent both sides.

Ok thank you for the advice, I'll get it done.

Normal, but phone around as I had an informal chat with a few before commiting to one, that was free and didn't require id. But yes, formal advice/initial meeting they needed it.

It's to prevent money laundering- it's a legal requirement

It's required by law society regulations. Also avoids them wasting time later down the line

I can manage to sneakily do it I guess, but it will be a little difficult to do without being spotted taking ID out of OH's office

OP please mention this when you talk to the solicitor.

Do they mean two forms of your i.d or one of yours and one of your husbands? I don't see why they'd ask for his i.d if he isn't even aware of this appointment. Surely that could be seen as fraudulent to copy someone's i.d without their knowledge?

@Tigerstigers Hi, no it's not his ID, it's mine. Driving licence and a household bill, which happen to be stored in OH's office and he works from home.

Thanks everyone. It's just a bit worrying giving out address and contact details. I've written on the form not to text me or write to our home address, so I hope they follow that 😟

It is two forms of YOUR ID, e.g. driver's licence or passport + household bill to prove permanent address. At least that is what I was asked for (not a divorce case). That was some time ago, so maybe they do now need to know who they are acting "against" I'm not sure.

I'm an accountant and have to ID my clients under money laundering regulations.

Sorry, crossed post with OP

Surely you have your driver's license with you all the time, or like me stashed in the sun visor! An online household bill will suffice.

Solicitors in England are legally required to get 2 forms of ID before taking on a new client. It’s to help prevent criminals using lawyers for money laundering, which used to be a big problem.

I'm a solicitor and legally we have to have ID on file, even for a one off appointment.

OP, if you're unable to provide the 2 forms of ID but have a Drivers license and can email them a copy and confirm your postal address along with your date of birth they can do an online ID check for a small fee of £8.00. Give them another call or email them when it's safe to do so and tell them your concerns, they'll be able to reassure you that they won't put you at risk.

We have to have ID for all clients before taking instructions. No honest solicitor would advise you without it. It’s a must, and completely normal. Not sure why you’re concerned about it!

The check they refer to is a conflict check to make sure they have not acted for the other party (your DH) previously, which could potentially put them in an awkward situation.

I didn't know this either. I was going to start calling round next month but think i might be screwed as I don't have two forms of id 🙁

Solicitor here - we are obliged to get ID for all clients so that we know that the client is who they claim to be. It’s usually 1 form of photo ID and also something with an address on.

I don't think they meant you need your husbands ID , just yours so the 2 forms could be passport and driving license or one of those and a bill of some sort with your name and address on it