Implications for clients
If we have closed your solicitor, we will have appointed an intervention agent who will distribute papers and money held by the practice. The agent will not take over the running of the practice. If you do not already have the agent's details, you can contact us.
If your case is urgent
The agent will identify if your case is urgent and will make immediate contact with you to let you know what is happening and get additional instructions from you.
If you urgently need money the firm was holding for you, and you cannot wait for the agent to send you the money, you can apply to us for the money owed to you. There is no entitlement to a grant and you will have to provide evidence that the solicitor was holding the money or that you are experiencing hardship as a result of the closure. You can contact us for advice.
Your papers
The agent will ask you for details of a new solicitor that you would like to instruct or where you would like your papers to be sent. The agent will not act as your new solicitor, because he or she has not taken over the practice.
Your money
The agent will examine the firm's accounts. If it is possible, the agent will return any money the firm was holding for you.
If the agent is unable to do this, he or she will advise that you may be able to claim back money from us.
Your wills and deeds
If a solicitor that we have closed is holding wills or deeds belonging to you, you must take the following action.
- Contact the agent and let him or her know where you would like your papers to be sent, as you may not be contacted automatically. If the agent is not in contact with you, your original documents will be placed with us for safe-keeping and you should contact us to claim your papers.
- If it is some time since the practice closed, we may already have your papers, and you should contact us.