Hastingslegal.co.uk Review

Based on checking the website, Hastingslegal.co.uk appears to be a legitimate Scottish legal firm specialising in property and other legal services within the Scottish Borders. They offer a range of services including estate agency, conveyancing, rentals, wills, and powers of attorney, operating from multiple offices across the region. The site showcases active property listings, detailed service explanations, and a clear contact pathway, which lends a sense of professional reliability.

Here’s an overall review summary:

• Website Presence: Professional and informative.
• Services Offered: Comprehensive legal and property services, specifically tailored for the Scottish Borders.
• Transparency: Good transparency regarding services, locations, and contact methods.
• Ethical Considerations: The services themselves (legal advice, property transactions, wills) are inherently permissible in Islam when conducted ethically and free from prohibited elements like interest (riba) or deception. The website does not provide specific details on their financial practices, such as how conveyancing fees are structured beyond the “No Key – No Fee” policy, so clients would need to verify that aspects like any financing advice or transactions they facilitate are compliant with Islamic principles, particularly avoiding interest-based loans.
• Client Focus: Appears client-focused with a “No Key – No Fee” policy and extended availability.
• Trust Signals: Displays recent reviews and physical office locations.

The firm positions itself as an integrated solution for property buyers and sellers, acting as both solicitors and estate agents. This combined approach is highlighted as a benefit for client control. They also emphasise accessibility with weekend and evening telephone lines, and home/hospital visits for later years advice, which speaks to a strong commitment to client convenience. While the general services offered are permissible, users should always perform due diligence on financial specifics to ensure full compliance with Islamic ethical guidelines, especially concerning contracts, financing, and transactional fees that might involve interest.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Best Alternatives for Legal & Property Services (UK)

When seeking legal and property services that align with ethical principles, especially concerning financial transactions, it’s crucial to look for firms that offer transparency and, if possible, explicitly state adherence to ethical financing. While direct Islamic legal firms are not as prevalent for general property and conveyancing in the UK, many reputable firms operate with clear, transparent fee structures. The key is to ensure any financial product or advice you receive is free from riba (interest).

Here are some alternatives focused on ethical and transparent practices, primarily for legal and property consulting, rather than direct financial products:

• LOD Law:

  • Key Features: Innovative legal services, on-demand lawyers, flexible engagement models, focus on business law and corporate services.
  • Price: Project-based or hourly rates, competitive for bespoke legal solutions.
  • Pros: Highly flexible, experienced lawyers, modern approach to legal services, often more cost-effective for specific needs.
  • Cons: May not cover all niche personal legal services directly, more business-oriented.

• Lawyer Checker:

  • Key Features: Risk management tool for conveyancers, helps verify recipient bank details for property transactions.
  • Price: Subscription-based for firms, individual users would rely on their solicitor using it.
  • Pros: Enhances security in property transactions, reduces fraud risk, increases trust.
  • Cons: Not a legal service provider itself, rather a tool for solicitors.

• Stephensons Solicitors LLP:

  • Key Features: Full-service law firm with extensive property, family, and personal legal departments.
  • Price: Varies by service, usually fixed fees for common transactions like conveyancing.
  • Pros: Established reputation, wide range of services, CQS accredited (Conveyancing Quality Scheme).
  • Cons: Can be more traditional in approach, possibly less agile than newer models.

• Simpson Miller Solicitors:

  • Key Features: Personal injury, property, and family law specialists. Known for transparent pricing.
  • Price: Often provides clear fixed fees for conveyancing and wills.
  • Pros: Strong client focus, good reviews for communication, transparent fee structure.
  • Cons: May not have the same local presence in all regions of the UK.

• Citizens Advice:

  • Key Features: Free, independent advice on legal rights, housing, debt, and consumer issues. Provides initial guidance.
  • Price: Free.
  • Pros: Accessible, comprehensive, great for initial understanding and guidance, can signpost to legal aid.
  • Cons: Not a direct legal service provider; cannot act on your behalf in court or conduct transactions.

• Amanah Finance: (Specialised for Islamic financing within property)

  • Key Features: Offers Sharia-compliant property finance, including Home Purchase Plans.
  • Price: Based on specific financial products, typically lease-based models.
  • Pros: Explicitly Sharia-compliant, fills a niche for ethical financing, avoids conventional interest.
  • Cons: Focuses solely on finance, not a general legal or estate agency service; requires specific eligibility.

• Properganda: (For property marketing and estate agency services)

  • Key Features: Property marketing and consulting, focusing on effective sales strategies and presentations.
  • Price: Varies based on services chosen (photography, videography, bespoke marketing plans).
  • Pros: Specialises in enhancing property appeal for sale, uses modern marketing techniques.
  • Cons: Not a legal firm, focused on the marketing aspect of property sales only.

Hastingslegal.co.uk Review & First Look

When you land on Hastingslegal.co.uk, the immediate impression is one of professionalism and clarity. The site positions itself as a dual-purpose entity: both a legal firm and an estate agency, serving the Scottish Borders. This combined approach is highlighted as a key benefit, suggesting a streamlined process for property transactions. The homepage is well-organised, presenting various services from property sales and rentals to conveyancing, wills, and power of attorney. This comprehensive offering signals a firm that aims to be a one-stop shop for its clients’ property and personal legal needs.

Initial Impressions and User Interface

The website’s design is clean and functional, prioritising ease of navigation. Key services are immediately visible, and there’s a prominent search function for properties, which is crucial for a combined legal and estate agency. The colour scheme is subdued, lending a sense of sobriety and trustworthiness, which is important for a legal firm.

• Navigational Structure: The main navigation bar clearly lists “Property,” “Legals,” “Buying,” “Sell,” “Lets,” “About Us,” “Contact Us,” and “Blog.” This logical arrangement helps users quickly find the information they need.
• Homepage Content: The homepage features a dynamic display of properties for sale, recent client testimonials, and highlighted services like “No Key – No Fee Deal” and “Legals for Later Years.” This curated content aims to address common client concerns and showcase unique selling propositions.
• Accessibility: Phone numbers for legal and property enquiries are prominently displayed at the top, along with extended opening hours (weekends and evenings), indicating a commitment to client accessibility.

Trust Signals and Professional Accreditation

For any legal firm, trust and accreditation are paramount. Hastings Legal attempts to build this trust through several on-site signals:

• Physical Locations: They explicitly state they have offices throughout the Borders (Kelso, Selkirk, Duns, Jedburgh, and Eyemouth) with “fully qualified solicitors in each office.” This physical presence is a strong indicator of legitimacy and local commitment.
• Client Testimonials: The homepage features a “Recent Reviews” section with direct quotes from clients, such as “Photos look fantastic – delighted with web page and the second-to-none service.” While these are selective, they add a personal touch and a veneer of customer satisfaction.
• Professional Services: The firm mentions “Professional photography and Video Tours” for property listings and highlights being “Solicitors as well as Estate Agents,” implying a higher standard of service and integrated expertise.

However, while the website generally presents a strong and professional image, it would benefit from more explicit mention of specific regulatory bodies or accreditations beyond general statements about “fully qualified solicitors.” For instance, conveyancing firms in the UK are often accredited by the Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) by the Law Society, which isn’t explicitly mentioned on the homepage. Similarly, membership of a specific legal professional body could be highlighted more clearly. This lack of explicit, easily verifiable accreditations on the main page, while not a red flag, does mean a visitor needs to delve deeper to confirm their regulatory standing.

Hastingslegal.co.uk Services Overview

Hastingslegal.co.uk offers a comprehensive suite of services, positioning itself as a central hub for legal and property needs in the Scottish Borders. This integrated approach, combining legal expertise with estate agency services, aims to provide a seamless experience for clients navigating the property market or seeking personal legal advice.

Property Services: Sales and Rentals

The website prominently features its property services, which span both buying and selling, as well as letting and renting.

• For Sale:
  • Estate Agency: Hastings Legal operates as a solicitor estate agent, offering services from property valuation to marketing. They highlight “Professional photography and Video Tours included as standard,” along with marketing via ESPC (East of Scotland Property Centre) and RightMove, two major property portals in the UK.
  • Conveyancing: This is their legal arm for property transactions. They explicitly state their “No Key – No Fee Policy,” which means clients are not charged legal fees if a property sale or purchase falls through. This is a significant benefit, providing financial protection for potential buyers and sellers.
  • New to Market & Building Plots: Dedicated sections for newly listed properties and specific building plots cater to different buyer needs.
• To Let:
  • Letting Overview: They provide services for landlords, including “Finding a Tenant” and various “Rental Options.”
  • Info for Tenants: A dedicated section offers guidance for those looking to rent, indicating a balanced approach to both landlords and tenants.
  • Commercial Property: Beyond residential, they also list commercial properties, catering to businesses looking for premises.

Personal Legal Services: Beyond Property

While property is a major focus, Hastings Legal extends its expertise to personal legal matters, particularly those relevant to life planning and later years.

• Later Years Advice: This is a significant area of focus, catering to an older demographic. Services include:
  • Wills: Assistance with drafting and updating wills to ensure estate planning is properly handled.
  • Powers of Attorney: Guidance and drafting of Lasting Powers of Attorney, allowing individuals to appoint someone to make decisions on their behalf if they lose mental capacity. They offer home or hospital visits for clients who cannot attend their offices, demonstrating flexibility and client care.
  • Executry: Winding up estates after a death, including probate and administration.
• Notary Public Law: The provision of Notary Public services for authenticating documents for international use. This is a specialised service often required for overseas property transactions or legal matters.

Integrated Service Model and Client Benefits

The firm’s “integrated property services” model is a key selling point. By combining solicitor and estate agent roles, they claim to put “the client, more in control.” This means potentially fewer third parties to coordinate, leading to a smoother and potentially faster process. The “No Key – No Fee Deal” directly addresses a common client fear—incurring legal costs for an aborted transaction. Their extended availability (weekend and evening phone lines) also speaks to a client-centric approach, aiming to accommodate busy schedules.

From an ethical standpoint, the nature of these services aligns with Islamic principles of facilitating honest transactions, protecting rights, and ensuring fair dealings, provided that any underlying financial products (like mortgages or investment advice they might refer) are free from riba (interest). It’s always advisable for clients to independently verify the Sharia compliance of any financial products they might engage with, even if introduced by a reputable legal firm.

Hastingslegal.co.uk Pros & Cons

Delving deeper into Hastingslegal.co.uk, it’s clear the firm has some significant strengths, particularly in its integrated service model and client-focused approach. However, like any online presence, there are areas where it could enhance transparency and accessibility, particularly for a discerning clientele. Boldnaturalsoap.co.uk Review

Advantages of Hastingslegal.co.uk

The firm presents a compelling offering, leveraging its combined legal and estate agency services.

• Integrated Service Model: This is arguably their strongest asset. By acting as both solicitors and estate agents, Hastings Legal aims to provide a seamless and potentially more efficient service for clients. This can reduce the need for clients to coordinate between separate entities, potentially saving time and reducing stress during complex processes like property sales or purchases. As the website states, “You don’t have to use Hastings as your solicitors when we are your Estate Agents but it does put you, the client, more in control.”
• “No Key – No Fee” Policy: This is a significant benefit for conveyancing clients. It shields individuals from legal costs if a property transaction falls through due to unforeseen circumstances. This policy provides a level of financial security and trust, as clients won’t be out of pocket for legal fees if the deal doesn’t materialise. This is a strong differentiator in the competitive property market.
• Strong Local Presence and Accessibility: With multiple offices across the Scottish Borders (Kelso, Selkirk, Duns, Jedburgh, and Eyemouth) and the offer of home/hospital visits for later years advice, the firm demonstrates a commitment to local accessibility. Furthermore, the extended telephone hours (weekends and evenings) for enquiries and viewings highlight a client-centric approach, making them available when other firms might not be.
• Comprehensive Service Offering: Beyond property, their services in wills, powers of attorney, and executry cater to essential life planning needs. This broad spectrum means clients can potentially handle multiple legal matters with a single trusted firm.
• Professional Property Marketing: The inclusion of “Professional photography and Video Tours” as standard for property listings indicates a commitment to high-quality presentation, which can significantly enhance a property’s appeal and saleability.

Areas for Improvement

While strong in many aspects, there are some areas where Hastingslegal.co.uk could enhance its online presence and transparency.

• Lack of Explicit Regulatory Accreditations: While the website mentions “fully qualified solicitors,” it doesn’t prominently display specific accreditations like the Law Society of Scotland’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) or similar regulatory badges. For a legal firm, explicit display of such certifications on the homepage or easily accessible would significantly boost immediate trust and credibility.
• Limited Online Transparency on Pricing (Beyond “No Key – No Fee”): While the “No Key – No Fee” policy is clear, detailed pricing information for other services (e.g., wills, general conveyancing fees, hourly rates for legal advice) is not readily available on the main pages. Potential clients might need to contact them directly for quotes, which can be a barrier for those simply researching options. More upfront information on typical fee structures, or a clearer path to obtaining a quote, would be beneficial.
• General Client Testimonials: While testimonials are present, they are brief and lack specific details that would allow potential clients to truly understand the depth of satisfaction. Broader, more detailed case studies or a link to an independent review platform (e.g., Trustpilot, Google Reviews) would provide a more robust picture of client experience.
• Absence of Team Biographies on Homepage: While there is an “Our People” section, featuring individual lawyer profiles on the homepage or making them more easily discoverable could add a personal touch and highlight the expertise of the team, fostering greater connection and trust with potential clients.
• Absence of a Blog Post Specific to Islamic Finance/Ethics: While the services themselves are generally permissible, the website does not cater to specific ethical considerations, such as Sharia-compliant financing for property. This is a common gap in mainstream legal websites in the UK. For a blog focused on Islamic ethics, this would be a notable omission, as individuals seeking ethically compliant solutions would need to independently verify all financial aspects.

In summary, Hastingslegal.co.uk presents a robust and client-friendly front, particularly for property services in the Scottish Borders. However, a little more transparency regarding accreditations and detailed pricing, along with a deeper dive into client experiences, could elevate its online presence further. For users concerned with Islamic ethical principles, direct enquiry regarding the specifics of financial transactions and referrals would be essential.

Hastingslegal.co.uk Pricing & Fee Structure

Understanding the pricing and fee structure of a legal and estate agency firm is crucial for clients. Hastingslegal.co.uk provides some clarity on its conveyancing fees, particularly through its “No Key – No Fee” policy, but comprehensive pricing for all its services is not explicitly detailed on the main sections of the website. This approach is common among legal firms, where fees often depend on the complexity and specifics of each case.

“No Key – No Fee” Conveyancing Policy

This is the most transparent and prominent pricing policy highlighted by Hastings Legal. It specifically applies to their conveyancing services for property sales and purchases.

• Policy Detail: The “No Key – No Fee Policy means that you are shielded from the legal costs if your property sale or purchase fails to materialise. If you are unsuccessful – never fear – we won’t charge you legal fees.”
• Client Benefit: This policy significantly de-risks property transactions for clients. In the volatile property market, deals can fall through for various reasons (e.g., survey issues, chain collapses, financing problems). This policy ensures that clients do not incur substantial legal fees for work done on a transaction that ultimately doesn’t complete.
• Implication: While the “legal fees” are waived, it’s important for clients to clarify if this policy extends to disbursements (costs paid to third parties, such as search fees, Land Registry fees, or Stamp Duty Land Tax assessments). Typically, “no win, no fee” policies in legal services often exclude disbursements, which might still be recoverable from the client. A clear breakdown on this would be beneficial.

General Pricing Approach

For services other than conveyancing under the “No Key – No Fee” umbrella, Hastingslegal.co.uk’s website does not provide specific fixed prices or hourly rates. This suggests a bespoke pricing model.

• Property Sales & Rentals (Estate Agency Fees): The website encourages a “free home visit and pre-sale valuation” for those thinking of selling. This implies that the estate agency fees (e.g., percentage of sale price or fixed fee) will be discussed during this consultation. For rentals, fees for landlords (e.g., tenant finding, management fees) or tenants are not explicitly detailed.
• Personal Legal Services (Wills, Power of Attorney, Executry, Notary Public): These services are typically quoted on a case-by-case basis due to their varying complexity.
  • Wills: Simple wills might have a fixed fee, while complex wills involving trusts or multiple beneficiaries would be higher.
  • Powers of Attorney: Fees would depend on the type (e.g., Property & Financial Affairs, Health & Welfare) and whether both are required.
  • Executry: Fees for winding up an estate are often based on a percentage of the estate’s value or an hourly rate due to the varying amount of work involved.
  • Notary Public: Usually fixed fees per document or for a set number of certifications.
• Consultation for Pricing: The most likely scenario is that potential clients would need to contact the firm directly (via phone or their “Get in touch” form) to obtain a personalised quote for their specific legal needs. This allows the firm to assess the scope of work accurately before providing a price.

Transparency and Ethical Considerations in Pricing

From an ethical perspective, transparent pricing is highly valued. While Hastingslegal.co.uk clearly states their “No Key – No Fee” for conveyancing, more general information on their fee structures for other services would enhance transparency.

• Clarity on Disbursements: For any conveyancing, clarification on how disbursements are handled under the “No Key – No Fee” policy is crucial.
• Fixed Fees vs. Hourly Rates: For many common legal services, clients prefer fixed fees where possible, as it provides cost certainty. If Hastings Legal offers fixed fees for certain services, making this clear would be an advantage. If not, explaining why an hourly rate is necessary (e.g., for complex litigation) and providing an estimated range would be helpful.

In summary, Hastingslegal.co.uk’s “No Key – No Fee” policy is a clear and attractive feature for conveyancing. For all other services, clients should anticipate needing to directly engage with the firm to obtain specific pricing, which is standard practice in the legal sector but could be made more accessible with general fee guides online.

How to Engage with Hastingslegal.co.uk & Contact Information

Engaging with Hastingslegal.co.uk seems straightforward, with multiple channels for communication and a focus on accessibility. The website provides clear instructions and prominent contact details, ensuring potential clients can easily reach out for enquiries, valuations, or legal appointments.

Contacting Hastingslegal.co.uk

The firm makes it easy to get in touch, emphasising direct communication. Ecohomeplus.co.uk Review

• Telephone Lines: The most prominent contact method is through dedicated phone numbers:
  • Legal Enquiries: 01573 226999
  • Property Enquiries: 01573 225999
    These are displayed clearly at the top of every page, indicating their importance.
• Extended Hours: A notable feature is their availability: “Our telephone lines are also open (with a real member of staff) at weekends and evenings so Buyers can arrange Viewings, Sellers can receive Feedback and anyone can arrange a Legal Appointment or Free Marketing Appraisal.” This commitment to extended hours is a significant advantage, particularly for individuals with demanding work schedules.
• Online Contact Form: The “Contact Us” page, accessible via the main navigation, likely hosts a contact form where users can submit their enquiries directly. This is a common and convenient method for non-urgent communication.
• Email: While not explicitly listed on the homepage numbers, most contact pages include a general email address for enquiries. This would be a typical alternative for detailed written communications.
• Book a Free Valuation: For those considering selling their property, there’s a direct link to “Book a free valuation,” which streamlines the initial step of engaging their estate agency services.

Office Locations and In-Person Visits

Hastings Legal emphasises its physical presence across the Scottish Borders, which provides a tangible point of contact and builds local trust.

• Multiple Offices: They proudly state, “We have offices throughout the Borders with fully qualified solicitors in each office so you don’t have to travel far to speak with a lawyer in person.” Their mentioned office locations include:
  • Kelso
  • Selkirk
  • Duns
  • Jedburgh
  • Eyemouth
    This network of offices suggests strong regional coverage and accessibility for local communities.
• “Our Places” Section: The “About Us” section includes an “Our Places” link, which presumably provides addresses, opening hours, and potentially maps for each office, further aiding in-person engagement.
• Home/Hospital Visits: For specific services, particularly “Legals for Later Years” (Wills and Powers of Attorney), they offer to visit clients at their home or in hospital if they cannot attend an office. This service demonstrates exceptional client care and accessibility for those with mobility issues or specific needs.

Engagement Process for Clients

The engagement process appears designed for ease and convenience:

1. Initial Enquiry: Clients can call directly or use an online form for general enquiries or to book an initial appointment/valuation.
2. Free Valuation/Marketing Appraisal: For property sellers, this is a no-obligation first step to understand their property’s market value.
3. Legal Appointment: For legal services, an initial consultation can be arranged to discuss needs and receive preliminary advice or a quote.
4. Service Commencement: Once the client decides to proceed, the firm would then formalise the engagement with terms and conditions, and fee agreements.

Overall, Hastingslegal.co.uk places a strong emphasis on being accessible and responsive to client needs through various communication channels and a robust local presence. This multi-faceted approach to contact and engagement is a significant strength.

Hastingslegal.co.uk vs. Other UK Legal & Property Firms

When evaluating Hastingslegal.co.uk, it’s useful to compare its offerings and unique selling points against other types of legal and property firms operating in the UK. While direct comparisons often come down to specific client needs and location, Hastings Legal’s integrated model sets it apart from many traditional setups.

Traditional UK Law Firms

Most law firms in the UK specialise solely in legal services, from conveyancing to family law, wills, and corporate matters. They typically do not offer in-house estate agency services.

• Key Differences:
  • Hastings Legal: Offers both legal and estate agency services under one roof. This means a single point of contact for selling a property and handling the associated legal conveyancing.
  • Traditional Law Firms: Clients would need to appoint a separate estate agent to market and sell their property, and then a separate law firm for the conveyancing. This often requires more coordination from the client.
• Pros of Traditional Firms:
  • Specialisation: Some traditional firms might offer deeper specialisation in niche legal areas, though Hastings Legal appears broad enough for general property and personal law.
  • Wider Geographic Reach: Large national or international law firms will have a presence beyond the Scottish Borders, catering to a broader client base.
• Cons of Traditional Firms:
  • Lack of Integration: The client bears the burden of coordinating between two distinct entities (estate agent and solicitor).
  • Potentially Higher Overall Costs: While individual fees might be competitive, the lack of an integrated discount or seamless process could lead to hidden costs or inefficiencies.

UK High Street Estate Agents

These firms focus exclusively on property sales and lettings, acting as intermediaries between buyers/tenants and sellers/landlords. They do not provide legal services.

• Key Differences:
  • Hastings Legal: Legal expertise integrated with estate agency. This means the advice on property matters can be directly informed by legal considerations.
  • High Street Estate Agents: Their primary role is marketing and negotiation. Clients must still find a solicitor for the legal transfer of property.
• Pros of High Street Agents:
  • Local Market Expertise: Often have deep knowledge of their immediate local market, though Hastings Legal also focuses on a specific region.
  • Volume: Can handle a high volume of property transactions.
• Cons of High Street Agents:
  • No Legal Advice: Cannot offer legal guidance, requiring clients to seek separate legal counsel.
  • Separate Fee Structures: Clients pay distinct fees to the estate agent and then to the solicitor.

Online Conveyancers

A growing segment, online conveyancers offer legal services, primarily conveyancing, remotely and often at a lower cost point due to streamlined, technology-driven processes.

• Key Differences:
  • Hastings Legal: Strong local presence with physical offices and in-person consultations. Offers a personal, face-to-face service in addition to digital communication.
  • Online Conveyancers: Primarily operate digitally, without physical meetings.
• Pros of Online Conveyancers:
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Often cheaper due to lower overheads.
  • Convenience: Can be very convenient for tech-savvy clients who prefer to manage everything digitally.
• Cons of Online Conveyancers:
  • Less Personal Touch: May lack the direct, face-to-face interaction many clients prefer for significant legal matters.
  • Complexity Handling: Some complex conveyancing issues might be better handled with direct, in-person consultation.

Hastings Legal’s Unique Position

Hastingslegal.co.uk’s strength lies in its hybrid model: combining the local expertise and personal touch of a traditional firm with the integrated efficiency of a combined service. The “No Key – No Fee” policy also offers a distinct advantage in the conveyancing market. For clients in the Scottish Borders seeking a comprehensive, locally accessible solution for both their property sale/purchase and associated legal needs, Hastings Legal appears to be a strong contender. Their model aims to reduce friction and provide a more controlled experience for the client, distinguishing them from more fragmented service providers.

How to Cancel Hastingslegal.co.uk Services (General Principles)

While Hastingslegal.co.uk does not explicitly detail a cancellation policy on its homepage, the general principles for cancelling services with a legal firm or estate agency in the UK are typically governed by the terms of engagement agreed upon by the client and the firm. Understanding these general principles is crucial for any client considering engaging or disengaging from such services.

Legal Services (Conveyancing, Wills, Power of Attorney, Executry)

For legal services, the cancellation process will largely depend on the stage of the work and the specific terms outlined in the Client Care Letter and Terms of Business that a client signs at the outset of the engagement. Teamjobs.co.uk Review

• Initial Engagement and Cooling-Off Period:
  • If the services were engaged remotely (online or over the phone) without a face-to-face meeting, the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 might apply, granting a 14-day “cooling-off” period during which a client can cancel without penalty.
  • Even if these regulations don’t strictly apply (e.g., if the contract was signed in person), many reputable firms offer a similar grace period or allow cancellation at an early stage with minimal or no fees.
• During the Course of Work:
  • Client’s Right to Terminate: Clients generally have the right to terminate their retainer with a solicitor at any time.
  • Fees for Work Done: However, the firm will typically be entitled to charge for all work performed up to the point of cancellation. This means if significant work has been undertaken (e.g., searches ordered in conveyancing, drafts prepared for wills), the client will be billed for that work based on the agreed hourly rates or a proportion of any fixed fee.
  • Disbursements: Any disbursements (costs paid to third parties, like search fees, Land Registry fees, expert reports) that have already been incurred will almost certainly be payable by the client, regardless of cancellation.
  • The “No Key – No Fee” Policy (Conveyancing): This specific policy from Hastingslegal.co.uk protects clients from legal fees if a property transaction fails to materialise. This is distinct from a client simply deciding to cancel their instructions for other reasons. If a client cancels the conveyancing instructions because they’ve changed their mind about selling/buying or chosen another solicitor, the “No Key – No Fee” policy typically wouldn’t apply, and they would be liable for work done.
• Procedure for Cancellation:
  • Written Notice: It is always best practice to communicate cancellation in writing (email or letter) to create a clear record.
  • Confirmation: Request a confirmation of cancellation from the firm.
  • File Transfer: If engaging another solicitor, facilitate the transfer of your file and documents.

Estate Agency Services (Property Sales and Lettings)

Cancellation of estate agency services is governed by the terms of the Agency Agreement signed with the firm. These agreements vary but commonly include:

• Notice Period: Many agreements require a notice period (e.g., 28 days, 8 weeks) for termination. If you cancel within this period, or without proper notice, you may still be liable for fees or a cancellation charge.
• Sole Agency vs. Multi-Agency:
  • Sole Agency: If you appointed Hastings Legal as a sole agent, you might be liable for their fee even if another agent (or you directly) finds a buyer during the notice period or even after if the buyer was introduced by Hastings Legal.
  • Ready, Willing and Able Buyer: Some contracts contain a clause that makes you liable for fees if the agent introduces a “ready, willing, and able” buyer, even if you withdraw from the sale.
• Withdrawal Fees: Some agents charge a withdrawal fee if you take your property off the market entirely before a sale.
• Marketing Costs: You might be liable for marketing costs (e.g., photography, EPC) incurred if you cancel before a certain stage.

General Recommendation:
Before engaging with Hastingslegal.co.uk (or any legal/estate agency service), thoroughly review their Client Care Letter and Terms of Business. Pay close attention to clauses related to termination, fees upon cancellation, notice periods, and how disbursements are handled. If unsure, seek independent legal advice. For specific details on cancelling with Hastings Legal, the most reliable information will come directly from their signed client agreement or by contacting their office.

FAQ

What services does Hastingslegal.co.uk offer?

Hastingslegal.co.uk offers a range of integrated legal and property services, including estate agency for property sales and rentals, conveyancing, wills, powers of attorney, executry, and notary public services, primarily serving the Scottish Borders.

Is Hastingslegal.co.uk a legitimate law firm?

Yes, based on the website, Hastingslegal.co.uk appears to be a legitimate firm with multiple physical offices in the Scottish Borders and provides contact numbers for legal and property enquiries.

Does Hastingslegal.co.uk handle both legal and property sales?

Yes, Hastingslegal.co.uk operates as both a legal firm and an estate agency, offering integrated services for property sales, rentals, and the associated legal conveyancing.

What is the “No Key – No Fee” policy at Hastingslegal.co.uk?

The “No Key – No Fee” policy means that if your property sale or purchase through Hastingslegal.co.uk fails to materialise, you will not be charged their legal fees for conveyancing.

Where are Hastingslegal.co.uk’s offices located?

Hastingslegal.co.uk has offices throughout the Scottish Borders, specifically in Kelso, Selkirk, Duns, Jedburgh, and Eyemouth.

Can I get a free valuation for my property from Hastingslegal.co.uk?

Yes, Hastingslegal.co.uk offers a “free home visit and pre-sale valuation” for individuals considering selling their property.

Does Hastingslegal.co.uk offer services for wills and powers of attorney?

Yes, Hastingslegal.co.uk provides legal services for making a will and arranging powers of attorney, with a focus on “Later Years Advice.”

Are Hastingslegal.co.uk’s phone lines open during evenings and weekends?

Yes, Hastingslegal.co.uk states that their telephone lines are open (with a real member of staff) at weekends and evenings for enquiries, viewings, and appointments. Heinz.co.uk Review

How does Hastingslegal.co.uk market properties for sale?

Hastingslegal.co.uk markets properties for sale using professional photography and video tours, and lists them on major property portals like ESPC and RightMove.

Does Hastingslegal.co.uk provide services for landlords and tenants?

Yes, Hastingslegal.co.uk offers services for landlords, including finding tenants and managing rental options, and also provides information for tenants.

What is executry service by Hastingslegal.co.uk?

Executry service refers to the legal process of winding up an estate after someone has passed away, including probate and estate administration, which Hastingslegal.co.uk provides.

How transparent is Hastingslegal.co.uk’s pricing?

Hastingslegal.co.uk is transparent about its “No Key – No Fee” conveyancing policy. For other services, detailed pricing is not explicitly listed on the website, and clients would likely need to contact them for a personalised quote.

Does Hastingslegal.co.uk offer commercial property services?

Yes, in addition to residential property, Hastingslegal.co.uk also handles commercial property sales and lettings.

Can Hastingslegal.co.uk solicitors visit clients at home or in hospital?

Yes, for clients who cannot attend their offices, particularly for “Later Years Advice” services like wills and powers of attorney, Hastingslegal.co.uk solicitors can arrange home or hospital visits.

How can I book an appointment with Hastingslegal.co.uk?

You can book an appointment with Hastingslegal.co.uk by calling their legal or property phone numbers, or by using their online contact form usually found on their “Contact Us” page.

What are the main benefits of using Hastingslegal.co.uk’s integrated service?

The main benefits of using Hastingslegal.co.uk’s integrated service include a single point of contact for both legal and estate agency matters, potentially streamlined processes, and greater client control over property transactions.

Does Hastingslegal.co.uk provide notary public services?

Yes, Hastingslegal.co.uk offers Notary Public services, which are required for authenticating documents for use in other countries.

How do I know if Hastingslegal.co.uk’s services are ethical?

The services themselves (legal advice, property transactions, wills) are generally permissible. However, for financial aspects like conveyancing or financing advice, clients should ensure that any associated financial products or transactions offered or referred are free from interest (riba) to align with Islamic ethical principles. Myoffers.co.uk Review

What should I consider before cancelling services with Hastingslegal.co.uk?

Before cancelling services with Hastingslegal.co.uk, you should review your signed Client Care Letter and Terms of Business for clauses on termination, notice periods, and fees for work already completed. It’s advisable to communicate any cancellation in writing.

Are there any testimonials available for Hastingslegal.co.uk?

Yes, the Hastingslegal.co.uk website features a “Recent Reviews” section with brief client testimonials.