Can anyone recommend a good solicitor

Radnor


Joined: 10/04/2009
Posts: 28

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 22:03

Hi everyone



My partner and I are coming back over in November from the UK with a view to finding a suitable property to buy. Obviously the agents will all be keen to suggest a solicitor but we would rather take independent advice. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 22:12

Contradiction in terms. No such animal exists!



Richard

laptagal


Joined: 28/05/2008
Posts: 549

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 22:28

Hi, TRNC has advocates (as I am sure many posters will tell you). When buying our house, we used Naomi Mehmet in Girne and can't fault her company.

minertor



Joined: 14/02/2009
Posts: 1238

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 22:34

Solicitors are only found in England. I used O. Hasipoglu of Lawyers at Cyprus when I bought in 2003. Had my will done there too. No complaints but my bro. in law, who purchased at the same time, dumped him and retained someone else. His office is down the street opposite the law courts in Girne.



Tony

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 22:45

Radnor/Msg1:



Whooa - slow down!



If you don't rent for a year, you will almost certainly become another 'lamb to the slaughter', because it's obvious that you know nothing about the place. Have you read the hundreds of 'posts' from people who rushed in, then regretted it - take heed!



Log on to the HBPG website for some basic guidelines before you even go near an estate agent or an advocate!

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 22:59

If you find an Advocate who itemises all costs from start to finish and then bills in full at the end, after of all correct procedures and paperwork has been successfully adhered too, that's the one to appoint! No monies upfront!



Richard

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 2381

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 23:09

Have to agree with Brinsley. They are all from the same pot and although a lot of folk will quote good experiences an awful lot more will contradict those same avocats.



For example Naomi Mehmet was superb when she first set up and nobody would fault her. Now.... do not touch with a barge pole.



Only advice I would give to the initial question is "do not use anyone suggested by your estate agent".

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 23:17

Msg 7



Are you suggesting that you can see the black spots on her where people have been pushing her away with barge poles?!



Richard

Radnor


Joined: 10/04/2009
Posts: 28

Message Posted:
23/09/2009 23:32

Thanks for the helpful advice to some of you. Tenakoutou thanks for your concern but we have been looking into this for some time and are fully aware of the pitfalls of buying in Cyprus. It wasn't an overnight decision and we have done our homework.

HildySmith


Joined: 02/07/2009
Posts: 1708

Message Posted:
24/09/2009 01:38

it took us 3 years to find out that we needed a new advocate and a new builder

what do we do now

We thought we had covered everything, asked all the questions etc. We were lied to verbally from the start and since then and also in writing.

Told our property was Registered with the Land Registry office - got it in writing

found out last week it is not!!

RENT!!!!!!

We are now! Don't know if we will ever get our house.

laptagal


Joined: 28/05/2008
Posts: 549

Message Posted:
24/09/2009 02:09

Cyprusishome - what do you know about Naomi Mehmet that I don't? I have not heard anything negative about the company but if there is something going on, please tell me. I try not to get sucked into the scaremongering that goes on on the forum so may have missed something.

BeeBop


Joined: 16/05/2009
Posts: 70

Message Posted:
24/09/2009 07:38

Have recently found a lawyer who I can trust. Works for me on our business and not the other party. He has laid out all costs and what he will do and is contactable everytime I have phoned. He is scottish and straight to the point. Has a Turkish partner in business and has lived here for a number of years. BHLEX Law and Consultancy in Girne past the hospital going towards Club Z. 0392 8157040 contact Terry Hamilton.

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
24/09/2009 08:48

There used to be an old saying, going back 25 years+ in Paphos:



'Never take a Paphos advocate to do any work for you in Paphos!'



Does that say anything that appears logical as concerns Girne?

negativenick


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 6023

Message Posted:
24/09/2009 09:03

mess 5 - the Neg Nick "post of the week" - sound advice, well done....

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
24/09/2009 10:32

Hi Negnik!



Thanks for your support - I will wear it always!



Hey, and don't bother to thank me - just buy me something!



Cheers - 'T'!!!

jay76


Joined: 17/07/2008
Posts: 532

Message Posted:
24/09/2009 11:32

Dont use Naomi Mehmets gone down hill since hasan left, i understand he has gone his own way now am trying to track him down he is very good Naomi Mehmets will not release his new details i wonder why.

barnaclebill


Joined: 12/12/2008
Posts: 303

Message Posted:
24/09/2009 13:51

Will those who are putting a downer on Naomi Mehmets practice please give their reasons how they came to this conclusion. It would be helpfull to others reading this thread as to why they should stay clear.

For my twopeneth we have used Naomi since she started her own practice and have yet to have any reason or hear of any reason why if needed we shouldnt continue to do so.

There are far to many people ready to criticise,not only on this matter but other threads without backing up their critisism.If you are going to make a critisim please have the b***s to back it up .

IMHO of course.

brandy sour


Joined: 09/04/2008
Posts: 310

Message Posted:
24/09/2009 13:55

We use Naomi Mehmets we have no problem recommending them they have been very helpful over the years sorting out our problems with the builder.

pilgrim



Joined: 11/05/2007
Posts: 1404

Message Posted:
24/09/2009 14:42

Hakki Onen at onen law in Famagusta, genuine and professional. used several times reccomended.

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
24/09/2009 15:02

'Good' and 'solicitor' don't quite gel in Cyprus - North or South!

Nunu1


Joined: 31/03/2008
Posts: 536

Message Posted:
24/09/2009 16:09

Dear Radnor,

I have sent you an e-mail



Cheers



nunu1

petez


Joined: 04/12/2008
Posts: 560

Message Posted:
24/09/2009 16:21

Dear Radnor.

It may be down to personal experience, but in all my dealings with Naomi Memhet I have found her to be totally professional, extremely helpful and 100% to her word.

I would recommend her totally to anyone looking for legal help.



She answers questions for our website free of charge offering advice to people with legal problems in North Cyprus.

http://www.living-in-northern-cyprus.com/review/2009/09/north-cyprus-legal-advice2/

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
24/09/2009 16:39

Petez Msg 22



That is yet another cop out. Are you suggesting that the 'free of charge' advice is not a self interest promotional tool to increase her client base for her Practice using your Publication as a spring board? So why will she not give details of the whereabouts of her ex colleague Mr Hasan (Msg 16)?



Richard

StGeorgeI


Joined: 27/08/2009
Posts: 973

Message Posted:
24/09/2009 16:52

All lawyers in Northern cyprus are excellent!!!! Just sit back and relax knowing you are in safe hands...

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
24/09/2009 16:54

Radnor - one of our members has a wife who is an Advokat and in my opinion a good one (with the added bonus of his expertise bolted on). Tyr to contact him off board the member is Elko1 his name is Ismet and he has the distinction of being a most valued poster on Cyprus44

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
24/09/2009 16:59

Tom



Ismets wife restricts her Practice to Famagusta only, as I've been informed by her Husband.



Richard

negativenick


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 6023

Message Posted:
24/09/2009 18:15

Negative Nick and Garry Monger reccomend Naomi Mehmet......

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
24/09/2009 18:22

msg. 25

Tom,

I thought I had two stripes. Have I been demoted to Elko1?



Richard is correct, she does not take on any cases outside the jurisdiction of Famagusta Court. However, Tatlisu comes under Famagusta, so that is ok.

ismet

karakum5c



Joined: 18/03/2008
Posts: 1021

Message Posted:
24/09/2009 18:49

My sister is a lawyer and i wouldnt trust her an inch that doesnt make her not a nice person, its just the law seems to attract a certain type of person.

Hector


Joined: 26/08/2008
Posts: 2352

Message Posted:
24/09/2009 18:50

Isn't it a terrible reflection on those who profess to be advocates in the TRNC when people express their experiences about them. The fact that they claim they don't owe their clients a duty of care is damning enough or use excuses that their clients have not asked them the right questions! How many times have we heard of advocates telling lies, failing to carry out even the basic duties and charging outrageous fees. There is no reputable complaints system nor do they have indemnity insurance to protect their clients. It seems to be you are better off doing as much as you can for yourself, at least you know what has been done and no less protection.

sporty


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 685

Message Posted:
24/09/2009 19:07

i've just used Naomi Mehmet,cannot fault the service. I've gone through several solicitors in the uk over the years,yet to find a good one in the uk,who is reasonably priced,returns phone calls,explains things in plain english so i can understand them,oh yes and complete all the paperwork etc on property purchases without leaving everything to the 11th hour,i had one that buggered around that much that i lost a property i wanted to buy,purchaser went to another offer!These advocats may not be so bad after all!!

Radnor


Joined: 10/04/2009
Posts: 28

Message Posted:
24/09/2009 20:29

Thanks again to everyone with positive advice. Trust me, I know what solicitors are like as I work for them in the UK!! We are a terribly misunderstood profession

petez


Joined: 04/12/2008
Posts: 560

Message Posted:
24/09/2009 23:36

RE Msg 23



"That is yet another cop out. Are you suggesting that the 'free of charge' advice is not a self interest promotional tool to increase her client base for her Practice using your Publication as a spring board?"

------

Richard, you are missing the point,

If Naomi increases her client base by offering free advice using our website. Good for her.

The advice is welcome and helpful to many people.



I cant see many other Advocate's doing the same thing, I don't understand your problem with it.

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
24/09/2009 23:56

Petez



The marketing skills of increasing her ability to further her public profile for business purposes bear no bounds. I do not doubt nor question the reasons of her ability to uphold the integrity of the law, or should I? Where is Mr Hasan's new office contact numbers? Something to hide?



Richard

petez


Joined: 04/12/2008
Posts: 560

Message Posted:
25/09/2009 00:25

Just one comment, as we are going off the topic.

Richard, I actually approached Naomi to do the column, not the other way around.



The reason I approached her was I asked alot of people their opinions on who was the best and her name came up time and time again. My dealings with her since then have only re-inforced that.

AlexF065


Joined: 07/09/2009
Posts: 271

Message Posted:
25/09/2009 00:25

good advocate ???? hmmmmmmmmmmmm

after only a couple of weeks I think the species does not exist in TRNC

so the Auction thread

people thrown out of their homes Tc's and British who have all paid in full for their properties only the builder forgot to tell then he had remortgaged the land and the Advocate was in his pocket as unlike uk they can act for both sides of the transaction and how do you find out who they are acting for ? it seems they are more slippery than eels

Quarmby


Joined: 15/09/2008
Posts: 975

Message Posted:
25/09/2009 09:39

Msg 7

Cyprusishome, you made comments re Naomi Mehmet, are you going to give an example of your condemnation of her or not? Please do not go into one of your verbal abuses of me as you have done in the past, just answer the question put to you.

barnaclebill


Joined: 12/12/2008
Posts: 303

Message Posted:
25/09/2009 12:46

Msg 37,

I asked this question in msg 17 and as of yet no-one has given a specific example. WHY ??

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
25/09/2009 13:58

Msg 28 Ismet you know that in my eyes doth of you deserve at least two stars

laptagal


Joined: 28/05/2008
Posts: 549

Message Posted:
25/09/2009 21:19

message 37 and 38 - I asked first (see message 11) - still no answer!!

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
25/09/2009 22:11

'Noh mime meat'. Please!



Please

manko


Joined: 14/02/2009
Posts: 13

Message Posted:
26/09/2009 12:05

Ref. message 23/9/'09 : can you name such a law firm? A reply would be much appreciated.

scoobydoo


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 2434

Message Posted:
26/09/2009 13:23

Can I do a 'stansil' and say this shoulded have started with the word 'joke'!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Sorry, just the cynical side of me popping up!

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
26/09/2009 13:55

msg. 42

Manko,

There are 9 messages with that date, which one are you referring to?

ismet

manko


Joined: 14/02/2009
Posts: 13

Message Posted:
27/09/2009 00:34

Hello elko 11,

message 23/9/'9:Brinsley --name of advocate {no charge upfront?}

manko


Joined: 14/02/2009
Posts: 13

Message Posted:
27/09/2009 00:40

Sorry : message for elko 11 27/9/'09 should read elko2

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
27/09/2009 06:37

Manko,

Thanks, so you meant message no. 6. Good question.

Please note that there is a number for each message, it makes life much easier if you use this number. Just above the post there is a blue line. On the left it says "Reply" and on the right it says "Message xx of yy in discussion". So you should simply refer to xx message.

ismet

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
27/09/2009 09:32

Msg 45



Rhetorical!



Richard

manko


Joined: 14/02/2009
Posts: 13

Message Posted:
27/09/2009 09:44

Messages 47 and 48: Thanks for replies.

pinkchilli


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 689

Message Posted:
27/09/2009 11:21

Find someone who is not related (in any way, whatsoever) to the estate agent, builder, developer.



Then, ensure he/she is based OUTSIDE the area.



Remember, apply for P2P BEFORE paying a penny to anyone. You can apply for P2P yourself. It's free and the forms are in English.



So, unless your lawyer can guarantee, in writing, that you will get your P2P, do NOT pay him/her anything until you have the Kocan. This will result in them showing you the door.



RENT, RENT, RENT.



Work out the additional costs of buying, i.e lawyers fees, stamp duty, VAT, transfer tax, plus in some instances your buiders/developers taxes as he won't have the funds available, then add all the extra snagging/damproofing costs, pool leakages, etc. Then add the costs of selling your house; estate agents, etc.



Then, on the other side of the piece of paper write down the benefits of keeping hold of your money, even 10% can be obtained now, and think again about buying. Good luck.

Hector


Joined: 26/08/2008
Posts: 2352

Message Posted:
27/09/2009 13:53

Sad to say it but have to agree with pinkchilli.

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
27/09/2009 15:13

hey, Radnor - pinkchilli has 'given you the message' - 'Ignore it at your peril!' would be the advice any honest person will corroborate.

Radnor


Joined: 10/04/2009
Posts: 28

Message Posted:
30/09/2009 00:41

Thanks again all - we are buying a "part-time" home in North Cyprus and keeping our property in the UK so not sure if all your advice still applies. Will be over in November to consider all options but some very useful advice on here - some not so useful!!

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
30/09/2009 02:08

Firstly, put all your UK assets into a trust fund and secondly, ask your TRNC Advocates how much they have invested in Liechtenstein and if that genuinely seems to confuse run the Cayman Islands by them. If that doesn't get a response exit quickly as they are far better actors than you think!



Richard

cammy


Joined: 04/12/2008
Posts: 91

Message Posted:
30/09/2009 04:25

Niomi Mehmet in Girne best in North Cyprus.

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
30/09/2009 07:27

Radnor/Msg53: 'we are buying a "part-time" home in North Cyprus ...'



This is ambiguous - have you already committed yourselves to signing the Contract of Sale?



If so, you won't be needing any further advice from board members.

Hazel


Joined: 18/04/2008
Posts: 65

Message Posted:
30/09/2009 13:29

Naomi Mehmet's name keeps coming up again and again, no one seems to be mentioning any others. In my opinion she is the best in TRNC and I can highly recommend her, professional, helpful and communicative, there's no one else who matches her. If she's had unhappy customers in the past perhaps you'll find that there are always two sides to every story, she's unable to give her side but has to tolerate damaging postings to her reputation unfortunately.

mamachina


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 730

Message Posted:
30/09/2009 15:54

They're all "good" but that doesnt mean they're honest!

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
30/09/2009 21:49

They honestly do a good job in dishonestly doing bank accounts no good whatsoever. Honest!



Richard

Shaky



Joined: 12/07/2009
Posts: 31

Message Posted:
01/10/2009 02:23

Hi ya collette alans wife

My husband wonts 2 move there im scared !!!!!!!! what if they demolage our bungalow in a few years even if we have done all the hard work , and things look ok, o god what should we do !!!!!!!!!!!!!

mfccyprus


Joined: 30/10/2008
Posts: 76

Message Posted:
01/10/2009 07:27

I think you will have more luck finding a needle in a haystack than a good solicitor in TRNC

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
01/10/2009 08:03

Shaky: If your finances are a bit 'shaky', surely you're not going to 'burn your boats' and sell your house in UK?



Many have done this, then bitterly regretted their decision after their 'dream home' turned into their 'nightmare home'.



You need to be sure you have excellent health before deciding to opt out of the UK NHS system. My neighbour who got terminally ill here said: 'Cyprus is no place to "play the end game in"!'



With the best will in the world, if you'll excuse me, it does rather sound that you have hardly any knowledge of life and conditions in TRNC - apart from brief holiday hotel experience, which is as far removed from reality as 'The Man in the Moon'.



You really need to rent for a year and to talk to expats: those with good experiences and those with bad - only then should you decide if a permanent move is worthwhile.

cyprusairsoft



Joined: 22/06/2009
Posts: 2066

Message Posted:
01/10/2009 20:18

Arkun Zeka of Oktay feridun



this company has represented the president and other high ranking people and they will represent you as well



Arkun is very professional and the charges are fair and reasonable.



He has done legal stuff for us that is beyond his call of duty and not charged a cent for it.



Highly recommend. 5 star advocate +903922287070 email arkunzeka@oktayferidun.com



ps he is a very nice chap as well dont take our word for it pay him a call

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
01/10/2009 20:41

I would have thought that the President and high ranking Dignitaries REALLY need the help of the 'Judiciary' as they, being the 'Legislators' can dictate whatever to the 'Executive' to appease their own ends!



Richard

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
02/10/2009 13:15

Richard: The legislators cannot dictate anything to the 'Executive', because they are, very likely, third cousins twice removed, and the dignitaries, being bound by the 'law' of nepotism, must agree with the 'Judiciary' that, in the light of present day development, the prevailing 'status quo' is currently beneficial to all concurring parties!



Such are the sweeping changes that are affecting us all; and we, as second class citizens, must appreciate them and applaud these innovators' integrity and motivation!