Can my solicitor add charges without informing me first?

Randy

My solicitor who was dealing with the sale of my house seems to have taken money from the sale proceeds and adding them to his bill without telling me.

Is there anything I can do?

:mad:

steve1500

The lawyers always take the money from the sale proceeds. You should have received an itemised bill showing how it was made up. If you think that your solicitor has "overcharged" and won't amend the bill you can take the matter up with the Law Society if

dmg24

What has he added? Did he supply a quotation and details of any other charges when you instructed him?

Randy

He quoted me a figure of £420 inc VAT before the sale and never informed me of any extra charges he`d have to make at any point. The final bill turned out to be over £650.

dunx

Could be 'disbursements' as opposed to 'charges'. The cost to you will be (a) his charges, and (b) disbursements, i.e. money paid on your behalf to other parties (think stamp duty and local authority searches).

He/she should have explained this at the outset, of course.

Randy

House was only £74000 so no stamp duty.. i rang him and he avoided giving me a breakdown and said you`ll get a statement shortly.

dunx

I think you'll need to see the itemised bill before you can move this forward, and then follow steve1500's approach (query with solicitor, and take it up with the Law Society if you aren't satisfied).

Randy

Many thanks..

1jim

I would write and ask for the itemised bill asap