Book Appointment Today
Book Appointment Today

ILA — Independent Legal Advice with Poynton Law

Introducing Poynton Law Ltd

Make confident, informed decisions with clear, practical legal guidance. Poynton Law is a trusted UK firm of specialist solicitors regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, providing fast, friendly, and fully compliant Independent Legal Advice (ILA) wherever you are. Whether you’ve been asked to obtain ILA by a lender, employer, or another party to a contract, our team makes the process straightforward—minimising delays, protecting your interests, and delivering the documentation needed to complete your transaction on time. Ready to talk? Book a no‑obligation appointment and we’ll guide you from first questions to final sign‑off.
Book an appointment

What is ILA (Independent Legal Advice)?

Independent Legal Advice (ILA) is advice given by a qualified, independent solicitor to an individual entering into a legal document that carries potential personal risk or significant legal consequences. It ensures you fully understand:

  • What you are being asked to sign
  • The risks, obligations, and possible outcomes if things don’t go as planned
  • Your options and the alternatives available

ILA is frequently required by banks, employers, and counterparties as a safeguard. It confirms that you’ve received impartial, competent advice and are signing freely, without pressure or undue influence. In many scenarios, a solicitor must provide a certificate or letter confirming they met with you, explained the document, and ensured you understood it before you signed.

Common situations where ILA is required include:

  • Personal guarantees for business loans or overdrafts
  • Director’s guarantees and indemnities
  • Mortgages, re‑mortgages, or equity release where one party bears disproportionate risk
  • Deeds of trust and co‑ownership arrangements
  • Transfers of equity and inter‑family loans
  • Settlement agreements (employment) and severance packages
  • Deeds of variation or waiver
  • Share charges, debentures, and security over personal assets
  • Cohabitation agreements and post‑nuptial arrangements

In each case, the purpose is the same: to ensure you know precisely what you’re agreeing to and to protect both you and the other parties by reducing the risk of the agreement being challenged later on.

Why Independent Legal Advice benefits you

Even when you’re eager to complete a deal quickly, pausing for ILA protects your long‑term interests. Benefits include:

  • Clarity: Understand the exact terms, risks, and obligations—no surprises later.
  • Protection: Reduce the chance of disputes or unenforceable agreements due to lack of informed consent.
  • Confidence: Proceed with a clear head and the reassurance that a professional has reviewed your position.
  • Compliance: Provide third parties (like banks or employers) the independent confirmation they need to proceed.
  • Speed with certainty: Proper ILA means fewer last‑minute queries and a smoother completion.

We provide a fixed fee service in relation to all aspects of Equity Release and any issues arising from the Equity Release.

How Poynton Law can help with Independent Legal Advice
 

At Poynton Law, we combine accessibility with meticulous attention to detail. Our process is streamlined, predictable, and designed around your timelines—often with same‑day or next‑day availability. Here’s how it works:
  1. Quick conflict and document check
    • Send us the documents you’ve been asked to sign and any instructions from the requesting party (for example, a lender’s ILA letter template).
    • We run a quick conflict check and confirm the scope, fee, and timeframe.
  2. Fixed‑fee quote and timescales
    • In most ILA matters, we can offer fixed‑fee pricing so you know exactly what you’ll pay before we start.
    • We provide a clear timeline, including how soon we can meet and when you’ll receive the ILA certificate or confirmation.
  3. Focused review of your documents
    • We read the full agreement, identify key obligations and risks, and prepare plain‑English explanations specific to your circumstances.
    • If anything looks unusual or high‑risk, we flag it and discuss options.
  4. One‑to‑one advice meeting (remote or in person)
    • Meet via secure video or at our offices—whatever is easiest for you.
    • We’ll explain the document in clear terms, answer questions, and make sure you feel fully informed.
    • For many ILA requirements, the meeting must be one‑to‑one with the advisor, without the other parties present, and we’ll ensure the formalities are followed.
  5. Signing and ILA certificate
    • Once you’re comfortable proceeding, we arrange signing in line with the requesting party’s requirements (wet ink or e‑signature, witness rules, and ID checks).
    • We then issue the formal ILA certificate or letter and send it to you and/or the requesting party as required.
  6. Post‑completion support
    • If the other side raises follow‑up questions or needs a specific format, we liaise promptly to keep everything moving.
    • We retain records in accordance with regulatory and privacy obligations for your peace of mind.
What you’ll need:
  • A complete set of the documents you’re being asked to sign (and any ILA instructions from the other side)
  • Photo ID and proof of address (for compliance checks)
  • Any correspondence received from the other party or their lawyers
  • Details of your preferred timing and method (video or in‑person)
Turnaround:
  • Many ILA matters can be completed within 24–48 hours of receiving your full documentation, and sometimes faster. Let us know your deadline and we’ll do everything we can to accommodate it.
Fees:
  • We offer transparent, fixed‑fee pricing for most ILA scenarios. If your matter is unusually complex or urgent, we’ll agree a clear fee structure upfront—no surprises.
Speak to us today about your ILA and get a tailored quote.
Book an appointment

FAQs about Independent Legal Advice
 

  • Do I have to take independent legal advice?
    If your counterparty requires ILA for completion—or if legislation mandates it (for example, employment settlement agreements)—then yes, you must obtain independent advice for the agreement to be valid or for completion to proceed.

  • Can we complete ILA remotely?
    In most cases, yes. Many lenders and counterparties now accept remote meetings with appropriate ID verification and secure e‑signing. If wet‑ink signatures or in‑person witnessing are required, we’ll arrange that swiftly.

  • What if I don’t agree with part of the document?
    Your solicitor will explain your options. Sometimes a minor amendment or clarification satisfies everyone; other times, a different structure may be better. We’ll discuss the potential implications and help you decide next steps.

  • How long does it take?
    Once we have your documents, ID, and instructions, many ILA matters can be done within 24–48 hours. Tell us your deadline and we’ll advise on the fastest route to completion.

  • What does the certificate include?
    Typically, it confirms we met with you independently, explained the document and its implications, verified your identity, and were satisfied you understood and signed freely. Some lenders or employers provide a template we must follow—if so, we’ll use it.

Poynton Law Limited
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.