Deed of consent

[kiran84]

My mother has just bought a house and I have had sign one of these. One question, by "independant" solicitor do they mean the solicitor handling the purchase of this house or do they mean another solicitor?

Why can it not be the solicitor handling the purchase of the house?

I was told to go to the solicitors across the road where I was charged £50. Is this for real? Or are these two solictors, situated in close vicinity, working in partnership to make money out of each others clients?

I quote from the consent form "The form should be signed and witnessed by an independant solicitor". If it was mandatory wouldn't the "should" in this statement be replaced by a "must"?

Did I just get conned?

[anniebird]

No you have not been conned. You sign the Deed of Consent so that if your Mother is in arrears with the Mortgage they can repossess the house and evict both of you. The independent solicitor should be someone who is acting only for you and can give you advice as to your personal situation. Although it is sensible for you to use an independent solicitor you can just sign it and have it witnessed by your mother. It would still be legal but not in your best interests.