Solicitor married to my doctor - uncomfortable about using

BlondeHeadOn

I feel a bit daft about this, but it's stopping me from making a decision (going round and round in my head about it) so I would like some feedback.

I have recently been trying to find a local solicitor to help me with the probate work for my Dad's estate (which probably means I am not in the most rational of states anyway, but that's another story). To this end I contacted a few local solicitors and met with three of them, and asked them to quote for the work.

The best one seems to be one who quoted me the cheapest price, and seems most down-to-earth (and is also the closest location-wise). So I feel I should use him.

However, as I was leaving his office after our meeting, he mentioned that he is married to my doctor - because of my postcode, which he knew was in her surgery area, he had asked her if I was on her list, which I am.

For some reason this has really left me feeling very uncomfortable, and unwilling to use him as my solicitor. And I'm not sure why - he did hastily say that of course everything would be totally confidential blah blah blah, but I'm not sure I believe that.

Am I just being totally daft here, or would other people also feel uncomfortable with this?

jenhug

I would be a bit weird about his comments too, I visited a solicitor after a recommendation from a friend, when I mentioned this he immadiately stated "I am duty bound not to discuss any clients, so I cannot comment" He might have just been friendly, but if you are uncomfortable, go with your insticts.

Mutter_2

What I'd feel uncomfortable with is that he mentioned it at all, especially mentioning the confidentiality. A bit creepy that.

Only one visit to a solicitor is required for probate, the rest post or phone so could you find another but not local?

Spirit_2

If his honesty has made you feel uncomfortable, go elsewhere.

I would appreciate that he did not have to disclose/bring to my attention this connection but he had made me aware of all links so if I was uncomfortable I could take my business to someone else. For me it would be fine to carry on as planned.

cheepskate_2

[QUOTE=BlondeHeadOn;25722843



because of my postcode, which he knew was in her surgery area, he had asked her if I was on her list, which I am.


[/QUOTE]

I would also feel a bit uncomfortable with the doctor, who is discussing clients with someone not associated with your medical cases.

BlondeHeadOn

cheepskate wrote: »

I would also feel a bit uncomfortable with the doctor, who is discussing clients with someone not associated with your medical cases.

I know, I do a bit!

I just wish the silly man had kept his mouth shut, because otherwise I would use him.

I'm glad that I'm not the only one who finds this a bit wierd though - thanks to all who've replied.

:T

Oldernotwiser

Not really anything to be worried about; both professions are covered by ethics of confidentiality.

amilotte

Hi

My initial feeling was to think that he should not have mentioned it but then on the flip side of the coin perhaps he wanted you to be aware of the connection before proceeding with him. It may have been more uncomfortable for you to have found out half way through the case iykwim?

They are both duty bound re client confidentiality in any event and your personal issues should have no bearing on the issues that you have approached the Solicitor for anyway - maybe I am being too simplistic in my thinking but I don't think it would bother me. All that he has asked is whether you were on that particular GP list (which chances are you were going to be as it was your local area. I don't think i would consider that to be giving away confidential info about myself).

What you need to decide is wether you would have been more angry had he kept that info from you - in this day and age I think some may prefer to be open and honest in case of any come backs later on?

MrsAnnie

BlondeHeadOn wrote: »

However, as I was leaving his office after our meeting, he mentioned that he is married to my doctor - because of my postcode, which he knew was in her surgery area, he had asked her if I was on her list, which I am.

Why whould he ask his wife this!!!! Seems very odd and I would feel very uncomfortatble on both fronts. Does they cross ref all their clients? Ignorance is bliss in this situation - he should have kept is gob shut!

I would be inclined to go with another solicitor.

DigitalJedi

Its probably nothing. Its not like he has anything to gain. Probably just some smalltalk over dinner or something. He may have mentioned it to you in a misguided attempt to find common ground.

That said if you are not comfortable, go with someone you are with.

Errata

because of my postcode, which he knew was in her surgery area, he had asked her if I was on her list, which I am.

ooops - doctor isn't allowed to tell ! As in, they are forbidden !

I'd be changing my doctor and making a formal complaint to the PCT.

And using another solicitor.