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Solicitor problem (costs)
#1413473
28/02/2013 15:20
28/02/2013 15:20
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,289
Malvern
coupe_integrale
OP
My job on the forum
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OP
My job on the forum
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,289
Malvern
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Hi All,
Just wondering what people thoughts are on this matter..
Recently the better half needed a solicitor so went to a local one that came well recommended. On the initial meeting she told the solic what she needed and that at the moment things were tight so what her budget for this was.
Solic said fair enough, it might cost more but we'll work to that budget and see where we are, reassuring her not to worry.
Cut to yesterday, bill lands on the doorstep for very nearly 3 times that amount.
Now if a client comes to me with a set budget I'll either work out what they can get for that amount or, if it's unrealistic let them know that what they want isn't possible and discuss other options.
We've correspondence with the solicitor discussing budget prior to them starting work.
Any thoughts?
Last edited by coupe_integrale; 28/02/2013 15:21. Reason: removing repetition..
Fiat Coupe Integrale
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Re: Solicitor problem (costs)
[Re: coupe_integrale]
#1413479
28/02/2013 15:41
28/02/2013 15:41
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,731
Surrey
Emjay
Forum is my life
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Forum is my life
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,731
Surrey
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If the solicitor said they would work to that budget and did not tell her they would be exceeding it, they have got a problem.
She should look at the client care letter she was sent at the outset and see who she should raise any concerns with (T&Cs must set out a complaints system). Then contact that person on the firm (presumably one of the partners) and explain what was agreed. Stick to your guns and you are likely to find they will agree to reduce their charge to the agreed amount rather than have the hassle of you ramping the complaint up.
They have to give you a realistic estimate at the outset and keep you updated.
Don't be reasonable, be determined that you will only pay what was agreed. That if it was going to cost more that should have been flagged up immediately so an informed decision could be made.
You can ramp it up to the obmudsman etc if need be.
Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him to find out what he has been doing? (John 7:51)
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Re: Solicitor problem (costs)
[Re: coupe_integrale]
#1413484
28/02/2013 16:21
28/02/2013 16:21
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,289
Malvern
coupe_integrale
OP
My job on the forum
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OP
My job on the forum
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,289
Malvern
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Thanks Emjay, really appreciate a professionals opinion on the matter.
I do find it strange that even now they're sending letters asking to confirm information we've already given them and confirmed. Surely this will just be racking up even more avoidable cost. Anyways...
I'll see how we get on and report back when we get some news.
Thanks again,
James
Fiat Coupe Integrale
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Re: Solicitor problem (costs)
[Re: coupe_integrale]
#1413525
28/02/2013 20:37
28/02/2013 20:37
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,731
Surrey
Emjay
Forum is my life
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Forum is my life
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,731
Surrey
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It depends upon lots of things - such as the value and also whether the firm has a debt collection speciality (like mine does - so it's very little hassle to pursue non-payers). Far better to point out the shortcomings in their estimates and reach agreement than gamble on not being sued. It's less hassle, stands you in much better stead if you need to ramp it up/if you are sued, and from the insider's perspective is more likely to work.
Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him to find out what he has been doing? (John 7:51)
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Re: Solicitor problem (costs)
[Re: Edinburgh]
#1413545
28/02/2013 22:16
28/02/2013 22:16
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,831
Haslemere, Surrey
Mark_S
Forum is my job
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Forum is my job
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,831
Haslemere, Surrey
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This very subject came up this morning on R5 live, Nicky Campbell's show.
The person affected simply refused to pay the inflated fee in spite of repeated letters from the solicitor, who eventually gave up.
You might get it on iPlayer? Heard similar on R4, a woman was charged £4,000 just for photocopying!!!
997 C4S
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Re: Solicitor problem (costs)
[Re: Emjay]
#1413737
02/03/2013 00:19
02/03/2013 00:19
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 776
State of Essex .
robcoupe20vt
Enjoying the ride
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Enjoying the ride
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 776
State of Essex .
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If the solicitor said they would work to that budget and did not tell her they would be exceeding it, they have got a problem.
She should look at the client care letter she was sent at the outset and see who she should raise any concerns with (T&Cs must set out a complaints system). Then contact that person on the firm (presumably one of the partners) and explain what was agreed. Stick to your guns and you are likely to find they will agree to reduce their charge to the agreed amount rather than have the hassle of you ramping the complaint up.
They have to give you a realistic estimate at the outset and keep you updated.
Don't be reasonable, be determined that you will only pay what was agreed. That if it was going to cost more that should have been flagged up immediately so an informed decision could be made.
You can ramp it up to the obmudsman etc if need be. Dont hold your breath for the ombudsman . Had dealing with him last year totally useless outcome Certainly was not on my side
Fiat 20VT
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Kawasaki ZX6RP7F Kawasaki GPZ550 Kawasaki ZX7R P2
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Re: Solicitor problem (costs)
[Re: robcoupe20vt]
#1413806
02/03/2013 11:14
02/03/2013 11:14
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 611
Aberdeenshire,Scotland
Azzura
Enjoying the ride
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Enjoying the ride
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 611
Aberdeenshire,Scotland
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Dont hold your breath for the ombudsman . Had dealing with him last year totally useless outcome Certainly was not on my side
An ombudsman is by definition NOT going to be "on your side", as they are an independent arbiter 
Yesterday Sprint Blue 20VT,today Denim Blue TT225
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Re: Solicitor problem (costs)
[Re: coupe_integrale]
#1413812
02/03/2013 12:16
02/03/2013 12:16
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 776
State of Essex .
robcoupe20vt
Enjoying the ride
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Enjoying the ride
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 776
State of Essex .
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After my solicitor and barrister dealing with the ombubmans they both came to the conclusion in my case that it was a waste after nearly a year . I know they are suppose to be independent . In my case the first solicitor we empolyed to look after my wifes mothers probate was not up to the job but took the money . Its was a complex case and in the end we went after the first solicitors liability insurance with solicitor number two who was up to the job . It was not the result we were promised by the first soilictor but a result . Never give up .
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Fiat 16vt
Fiat 130TC
Fiat 131 sport
Kawasaki ZX6RP7F Kawasaki GPZ550 Kawasaki ZX7R P2
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