What to Expect at Your ILA Appointment

If you have been told that you need Independent Legal Advice — perhaps by a mortgage broker, a lender, an employer, or your own solicitor — you may be approaching the appointment with some anxiety. That is entirely normal. Most people have never been asked to do this before, and the language used ("undue influence", "Etridge compliance", "certificate of advice") can sound intimidating.

The reality is much more reassuring. An ILA appointment is a straightforward, friendly conversation with a qualified solicitor whose only job is to make sure you understand what you are about to sign. There are no trick questions, no exams, and no pressure to make any particular decision. This page walks you through the entire process so you know exactly what to expect.

The Three Stages of an ILA Appointment

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Every ILA appointment has the same broad structure: preparation before the meeting, the meeting itself, and the post-meeting steps. Knowing what happens at each stage helps you arrive prepared, relaxed, and able to make the most of the time.

Step-by-Step: What Happens at Each Stage

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Stage 1 — Before the Appointment: Booking and Preparation

Booking is straightforward. You can book online via our website or call us directly. We will need to know what type of ILA you need (mortgage guarantee, occupier consent, JBSP, etc.), who the lender is, and any deadlines you are working to. Most clients book and complete their ILA within 24–48 hours.

Stage 2 — Sending Us Your Documents

Once booked, please email your documents to advice@lawyersonline.co.uk. We typically need: the document you are being asked to sign (the guarantee, occupier consent, declaration etc.), the underlying offer or facility letter, photo ID (passport or driving licence), and proof of address (utility bill or bank statement dated within the last three months). The more we have in advance, the more efficient your appointment will be.

Stage 3 — Document Review by the Solicitor

Before your appointment, your solicitor reviews everything you have sent. They identify the key risks, unusual clauses, and points to focus on during your meeting. This pre-work means we use your time efficiently — we are not reading the document for the first time in front of you.

Stage 4 — The Video Appointment

Your appointment is conducted by video call. You will receive a link or instructions for joining (typically Zoom, but we can also use WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Microsoft Teams if you prefer). Find a quiet, private space where you will not be interrupted. You should be alone — this is a strict requirement under Etridge to ensure you can speak freely. If you have any disability or language requirements, please tell us in advance so we can accommodate them.

Stage 5 — Introductions and ID Verification

Your solicitor will start by introducing themselves and confirming your identity (this is why we ask for photo ID in advance). They will explain who they are, that they are acting solely for you, and that the conversation is confidential. They will also confirm you are alone and that nobody is listening in or putting pressure on you.

Stage 6 — Explaining the Document

The bulk of the appointment is your solicitor walking you through the document in plain English. They will explain what you are agreeing to, what your obligations and liabilities are, what could go wrong, and what the worst-case scenario looks like. For a standard mortgage guarantee or occupier consent, this typically takes 10–15 minutes. For complex commercial guarantees, it may take 30–60 minutes.

Stage 7 — Your Questions

Time is built in for your questions, and there are no stupid ones. Common questions we hear include: "What happens if I can't pay?", "How long does this guarantee last?", "Can I get out of it later?", "What if I move house?". The solicitor will keep going until you are fully satisfied. If we identify issues, we may suggest you negotiate with the lender or borrower before signing — that decision is always yours.

Stage 8 — Confirming Your Decision

Once you have heard the advice and asked your questions, your solicitor will ask you to confirm your decision. There is no pressure either way. We can give advice but we never make the decision for you. You are entitled to take time to think, even after the appointment, before deciding whether to sign.

Stage 9 — Signing the Document

If you decide to proceed, you sign the original document with wet ink. Some documents require a witness — typically anyone over 18 who is not a party to the transaction (a neighbour, friend, or colleague is usually fine). Your solicitor will explain the witnessing requirements for your specific document.

Stage 10 — Posting the Original to Us

Once signed, post the original document to our office (we will give you the address during the appointment). Most clients use Royal Mail Special Delivery for security and tracking. The signed document needs to reach us in physical form — wet (ink) signatures are still legally required for most lender documents in the UK.

Stage 11 — Certification and Dispatch

When the signed document arrives, we stamp and certify it on the same day. We scan it and email you a digital copy for your records. We then post the certified original — together with our Certificate of Independent Legal Advice — to the lender's solicitor, your conveyancer, or the relevant party. This usually happens the same day the signed document reaches us.

Stage 12 — Confirmation

You will receive a confirmation email from us once your certificate has been dispatched. This is also typically when our invoice is sent (if it has not been paid up-front). The lender or other party will then confirm receipt and your underlying transaction can complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

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