Solicitors Fees

grogsy

I recently got quite a few quotes from a number of local solicitors for our imminent house move. These were all got over the phone. Rather than a breakdown I asked for a final figure to ensure there were no added extras that would come as a surprise at the end. The one I chose to go with was at the lower end of the quotes and seemed like the type of person that I could speak to should I have a problem.

I instructed the solicitor and my mortgage company that I was happy to go ahead with him. I paid for the searches over the phone to get the ball rolling and he was to send me all the paperwork.

Today the paperwork arrives and the total cost is over £200 more than initially quoted. This now takes this firm to the most expensive of all my quotes.

My principles are telling me to sack him off however my head is saying this could slow everything down.

Any advice?

DVardysShadow

Sack him. If the written quote is above the verbal quote, then he is not straight with you and this will cause more issues in the long run.

G_M

You have learnt a lesson. Always get a break-down of quotes. otherwise you do not really know what the quote is for.

There is no such thing as a 'final figure' that can be quoted at the start as there are too many variables.

Sacking him now will just cost you more money. You'll have to pay his fee (or a % of it) AND then pay a new solicitor.

Learn the lesson for next time.

Richard_Webster

I am never happy to give estimates over the telephone and not follow them up in writing. I positively warn them to get everything in writing and then compare.

I want people to compare what I say with what others say so they can see I am not charging for various spurious "extras" such as completing the SDLT form.

KateLiana27

I would call him up, and say nicely that there has obviously been some mistake, because the written quote is £200 more than the verbal quote he gave you; so can he please send you the right paperwork with the agreed price.

If he backtracks and reduces the price, great. (Though I'd still worry he was a bit slippery.)

If he makes some excuse for the increase in price, you're well within your rights to say you instructed him based on incorrect information he provided, and you wish to withdraw and have your search fees returned. But it will probably create a certain amount of hassle and slow things down a bit, which is why I might give him a chance to honour his original quote first.

What I wouldn't do is let him get away with it.