Question 1

How long does conveyancing usually take?

Accepted Answer

A straightforward freehold purchase typically takes eight to twelve weeks from instruction to completion. Leasehold matters often take a little longer because we need a management pack from the freeholder or managing agent. Chains, mortgage timescales and search turnaround all affect the timetable, and we will give you a realistic estimate at the outset and keep you updated as things progress.

Question 2

What is the difference between freehold and leasehold?

Accepted Answer

If you own a freehold property you own the building and the land it stands on, indefinitely. If you own a leasehold property you own the right to occupy it for a fixed number of years under a lease, and the land is owned by a freeholder. Leasehold usually involves ground rent, service charges and obligations set out in the lease, all of which we review and explain before you commit.

Question 3

When do I need to pay my deposit?

Accepted Answer

The deposit, usually 10% of the purchase price, is needed on exchange of contracts. We will confirm the exact figure and the deadline well in advance so there are no surprises.

Question 4

Do you act for my mortgage lender as well?

Accepted Answer

In most cases yes. Where we are on your lender's panel we can act for both you and the lender, which is simpler and more cost-effective. If we are not on the panel we will tell you immediately and explain your options.

Question 5

Can you help with Islamic finance purchases?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We regularly act for clients using Sharia-compliant home purchase plans and are familiar with the additional documentation and two-stage completion process involved.

Question 6

What searches will you carry out?

Accepted Answer

Standard searches include a local authority search, drainage and water search and an environmental search. Depending on the property and its location we may recommend additional searches such as a coal mining or chancel liability search. We will always explain why a search is being recommended.

Question 7

Why should I make a Will?

Accepted Answer

Without a Will the intestacy rules decide who inherits your estate, and the outcome is often not what people expect. A Will lets you choose your beneficiaries, appoint guardians for children under 18 and name executors you trust. It also makes the process considerably easier for the people you leave behind.

Question 8

What are mirror Wills?

Accepted Answer

Mirror Wills are two matching Wills, most often made by a couple, each leaving their estate to the other and then on to the same beneficiaries. They are a practical and cost-effective option for many families.

Question 9

How often should I review my Will?

Accepted Answer

We recommend reviewing your Will every three to five years, and always after a significant life event such as marriage, divorce, a new child or grandchild, a house move or a substantial change in your finances.

Question 10

Can I appoint guardians for my children?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Appointing guardians in your Will is one of the most important reasons for making one, and we will talk it through with you carefully.

Question 11

What is probate?

Accepted Answer

Probate is the legal process of dealing with someone's estate after they die. Where there is a Will, the executors apply for a Grant of Probate; where there is no Will, the next of kin apply for Letters of Administration. The grant gives legal authority to collect in assets, settle liabilities and distribute the estate.

Question 12

Is a grant always needed?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Small estates, or estates where everything is held jointly and passes automatically to the survivor, may not require a grant. We can review the position quickly and tell you where you stand.

Question 13

How long does probate take?

Accepted Answer

A straightforward estate typically takes six to twelve months to administer. The application for a grant itself can take several weeks, and timescales are affected by HMRC, property sales and how quickly asset holders respond.

Question 14

Do I have to administer the estate myself as executor?

Accepted Answer

No. Executors can instruct us to handle the whole administration, or simply to obtain the grant while they deal with the rest. We are happy to work whichever way suits you.

Question 15

How does independent legal advice (ILA) work?

Accepted Answer

A lender, employer or other party will usually insist that you take independent legal advice before you sign a document, so it is clear you signed freely and understood the consequences. You send us the paperwork in advance, we review it, and at the appointment we explain the document, the risks and what you are committing to, and answer your questions. If you are happy to proceed, you sign in our presence and we complete the solicitor's certificate the other party requires. Most ILA appointments take between 30 and 60 minutes and can be dealt with the same day where the papers are ready.

Question 16

What documents do you provide ILA on?

Accepted Answer

Director's personal guarantees, joint borrower sole proprietor mortgages, Occupier's Consent to Mortgage and Occupier's Consent declarations, transfers of equity, equity release, employment settlement agreements and Islamic Sharia finance documentation.

Question 17

What should I expect for Islamic Sharia finance advice?

Accepted Answer

Sharia-compliant home purchase plans are structured differently from a conventional mortgage — often a co-ownership (diminishing musharakah) or lease (ijara) arrangement with the finance provider. We explain the documents in plain English: who owns what and when, your rent and acquisition payments, what happens on early settlement or default, and any occupier or guarantor consents the provider requires. You will receive our certificate in the form your finance provider asks for, and we are familiar with the requirements of the leading Islamic finance providers.

Question 18

Can the appointment be face to face or online?

Accepted Answer

Both. You can attend our Dewsbury office in person, or we can hold the appointment by secure video meeting — we will send you the link and confirm the identity checks needed beforehand. Some lenders insist on a face-to-face meeting; if yours does, we will tell you when you enquire.

Question 19

How are emergency out-of-hours ILA appointments arranged?

Accepted Answer

Call or email us with the deadline and send over the documents you have. Where we can help, we will confirm an evening or weekend slot, in person or online, usually within a few hours. Emergency out-of-hours appointments are subject to availability and an additional fee, which we will always agree with you in writing before the appointment.

Question 20

What do I need to bring to an ILA appointment?

Accepted Answer

Photo identification and proof of address, the full set of documents you have been asked to sign, and any correspondence from the lender or other party setting out what their certificate must say.

Question 21

Will I deal with the same person throughout?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every client works directly with one of our Solicitors & Directors from instruction through to completion. You will always know who is handling your matter and how to reach them.

Question 22

Do you offer appointments outside office hours?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Evening and weekend appointments are available by prior arrangement, in person, by telephone or by video call.

Question 23

How much will my matter cost?

Accepted Answer

We provide clear, tailored quotations before you instruct us, setting out our fees and the disbursements payable. For conveyancing you can request a quote through our online form and we will come back to you promptly.

Question 24

Who regulates FZA Consultants Ltd?

Accepted Answer

FZA Consultants Ltd provides legal consultancy services. All client matters are managed and invoiced through Musa Patels LLP, which is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

Question 25

Do you act for clients outside West Yorkshire?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are based in Dewsbury but act for clients throughout England and Wales, using telephone, email and video appointments where that is more convenient.

Your questions, answered

Residential Conveyancing

Wills

Probate

Independent Legal Advice

General Enquiries

Still have a question?