How long do solicitors have to keep records?

[spaceman]

Can anybody tell me how long do solicitors have to keep records, particularly house sale contracts, if I am looking for the purchase contract for a house sold three years ago should they have the original contracts (or copies) or are there any justifiable circumstances where they might no longer have them?

Thanks

 

[mf1]

In general, up to 12 years.

I would ask, though, is there a reason for asking this? Is there an issue? or just curiosity?

I ask because, sometimes, clients are only willing to pay bare minimum fee while expecting service years after.

mf