What is the halachic priority: Is it better to say [1] selichos during aseres yimei teshuva with a minyan BEFORE chatsos or [2] biyichidus before schacharis?
Answer:
Rav Moshe Feinstein (Iggros Moshe, Orach Chaim 2:105) writes that it is permitted to recite the Selichos before chatzos, provided this is not done on a regular basis (every year).
Although other authorities are stringent about this (including the Mishnah Berurah 565:12 and the Shaarei Teshuvah 581:1), one can rely on Rav Moshe under extenuating circumstances.
For those from a Sephardi background, Selochos should not be recited before chatzos.
The main part of the Selichos is the 13 Middos, which cannot be said biychidus.
Best wishes for a gemar chasimah tovah.
