We are currently buying our council house. We secured a mortgage and the house purchase was about to be completed. The solicitor requested the mortgage funds from the lender before we had signed the mortgage agreement. He received the funds and has now been remanded in custody charged with murder. We are due to make the first mortgage payment in 4 days' time but the house purchase hasn't gone through with the council so they still own the house. Who is liable for this money? Should our solicitor have been able to request the funds before we had signed the mortgage agreement? What do we do now?

Lee

I would presume that solicitors must have some form of contigency plan, to ensure continuity of service when they are unable to work. The Solicitors regulatory authority on 0870 606 2555 ( 09.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday) should be able to answer your query, http://www.sra.org.uk/sra/contact-us.page

I would give them a call on Monday and then inform all relevant people, that the purchase may be delayed due to the circumstances. I am sure they will sympathise, put things on hold and wait for further instructions.

I hope that all works out, without too much delay.

huckster