Goldsmith launches home visit ER service

Eddie Goldsmith, Senior Partner of Goldsmith Williams, said: “We have been fortunate enough to have been dealing with Equity Release cases for major introducers for some years now and have gained unique skills in managing the specialist legal service.

“As a result of the recent Equity Release Council rule changes every client has to be seen at least once by a solicitor or suitably qualified lawyer during the process. We have been operating a special lawyer panel who are happy to visit clients in their own homes since the beginning of the year and we are now able to offer this facility to all equity release specialist brokers.

“Our fee scale includes for no extra cost a home visit from one of our specialist panel lawyers. Clients love the convenience of this service as they don’t have to make an appointment and trudge off to see a solicitor and can complete all the paperwork in the comfort and safety of their own home.

“Equity release is recognised both by the FCA and other regulators as a specialist service requiring suitably trained and qualified advisors.

“Lawyers dealing with vulnerable clients need to have the knowledge and experience to pick up on any issues of undue influence and potential capacity issues to protect clients, their families and professional advisors.

“We are delighted to be able to open up our unique proposition to the market generally and be able to help advisors and their clients through the Equity Release process.”

Lee Blackwell, head of PR at Enhanced Equity Release Specialist – Partnership, said: “This service sounds like an excellent idea as it provides clients with the opportunity to speak to their lawyer in the privacy of their own home.

“Not only does this mean that they don’t have to worry about getting down to their solicitors offices but they are far more likely to have all the documents they need on hand which should help to make the process as smooth as possible for all concerned.”