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Solicitor invoicing for work not instructed to do
Lucyinthesky_3
Posts: 1 Newbie
We went to see a local solicitor in the village where we live. We wanted to know how to draw up a will for my husband and I. We had no idea of the process or costs. Whilst we chatted to the solicitor he jotted down notes and asked us some personal information such as full names etc. After he explained which type of will we would need he gave us some forms to take away and complete explaining he would need this information in order to draw up the wills.
We left the office not really having "gelled" with this solicitor and quite surprised at the cost he was quoting (£350 for mirror will). We decided not to go back to them.
Over two months later we get a letter saying he had drawn up a draft and could we get in touch. We didn't as we didn't want to draw up the documents.
He then sent another asking us again to provide him with details for the draft he had written. At this point I rang him saying I didn't want him to draw up the wills. He said ok and hung up. The following day we get a letter and invoice for £50 for the draft.
Can he do this? We don't see how he can draft anything as we didn't provide him with sufficient information or actually instruct him. He didn't tell us about any costs for drawing up a draft either.
What should we do?
We left the office not really having "gelled" with this solicitor and quite surprised at the cost he was quoting (£350 for mirror will). We decided not to go back to them.
Over two months later we get a letter saying he had drawn up a draft and could we get in touch. We didn't as we didn't want to draw up the documents.
He then sent another asking us again to provide him with details for the draft he had written. At this point I rang him saying I didn't want him to draw up the wills. He said ok and hung up. The following day we get a letter and invoice for £50 for the draft.
Can he do this? We don't see how he can draft anything as we didn't provide him with sufficient information or actually instruct him. He didn't tell us about any costs for drawing up a draft either.
What should we do?
0
Comments
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Hi Lucy
I'm sure you'll get a reply soon from somebody more 'in the know' about this than me, but I'd have thought you'd have to pay for the solicitor's time unless you had made one of those free half hour appointments that some firms offer.0 -
If anyone is thinking about making a will ask your solicitor about willaid. The solicitor gets nothing and the fee goes to charity, lots of solicitors will do this and it only cost us £110 for our wills.0
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The problem I have with this, Lucy, is that form your description of the meeting, it is not clear what you instructed. Did you ask for a quote, or did you ask for the work to be done. If you are going to defend this, you need to be crystal clear on the point.Hi, we’ve had to remove your signature. If you’re not sure why please read the forum rules or email the forum team if you’re still unsure - MSE ForumTeam0
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Did you confirm at the end of the appointment that you did want the solicitor to do nothing? How was it left?0
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