Independent Legal Advice

For Non-Standard Matters

Independent legal advice isn’t only needed for formal lending. Very often, families, partners and shareholders are asked to obtain advice before the other side will proceed, especially where money, property or shares are involved.
At Garner & Hancock, we offer specialist independent legal advice for informal, non‑standard matters, alongside our existing formal lending advice.

Why independent legal advice matters

In these scenarios, the other side, often a lender, another family member, fellow shareholders or investors, will want to be sure that:

  • You understand the legal and financial consequences of what you are signing.
  • You are acting freely and voluntarily, without pressure or undue influence.
  • The arrangement is properly documented, reducing the risk of disputes later.

Our role is to advise you, independently of the other parties, so that you can make an informed decision and proceed with confidence.

When independent legal advice is needed

We can advise you in situations such as:

  • Gifted deposits Example: A parent or relative gifting a deposit towards a property purchase, where the lender or another party wants reassurance that everyone understands the risks and implications.
  • Deed of Gift Example: Transferring money, property or other assets without payment, and needing clarity on what rights are given up and what protections remain.
  • Family loans Example: One family member lending money to another, with or without interest, where the lender, borrower or bank wants independent advice recorded.
  • Giving up or transferring an interest in a property. Example: Removing someone from the title, transferring a share to a partner or relative, or changing how a property is owned.
  • Diluting an interest in a property or company. Example: Reducing your shareholding or ownership percentage so that others can invest or take a larger stake.

If your situation doesn’t fit neatly into a standard lending agreement, but another party has asked you to obtain independent legal advice, we can help.

How this service sits alongside our formal lending advice

Garner & Hancock already offers a well‑established service providing independent legal advice on formal lending, such as:

  • Standard mortgage lending
  • Bridging loans
  • Personal guarantees and other formal finance arrangements

This new service is designed for the informal, family and non‑standard end of the spectrum, where the paperwork may be bespoke, the relationships are personal, and the risks can be harder to spot.

  • It is not a replacement for our formal lending advice.
  • Instead, it is a specialist, complementary service for situations that fall outside standard lending products.

If you are unsure which service you need, we can quickly assess your documents and guide you to the right route.

Fast, clear pricing and response

We know that these matters are often time‑sensitive. Once you contact us:

We will review your enquiry and documents.

We will aim to send you a price within a few hours.

We will aim to call you within a few hours to confirm details and, if you wish, book an appointment.

Make an enquiry

Please complete the short enquiry form below and include your telephone number if you would like us to call you for a quicker turnaround.

How Can We Help? Your free, no‑obligation consultation here.
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