changing solicitors - what do you think?

jozbo

we have just instructed a solicitor to deal with our property purchase, and today received the paperwork confirming the instruction.

however the breakdown of costs on paper differs wildy from the verbal quote i was given. they have added on indemnity insurance, stationery costs etc on top of an already high fee (i was only previously quoted the fee... plus disbursements which are, on paper, also inflated)

i have also been frustrated with trying to get through to them and been strung along a bit already with just getting to talk to the person dealing with our purchase -

warning signs...

i haven't sent them any money yet, so is it possible to now change solicitors and instruct a different firm? does it just involve telling the EA's and lender of the change?

Yorkie1

Yes you can dis-instruct them at any point.

Contact them asap to do so - it is possible that they may just have started incurring costs, and you will have to pay any that have been incurred. But any firm who add on stationery costs to an already inflated fee are taking the mick, really.

Once you have instructed a new solicitor (which, again, don't delay with), let everyone know who they are.

jozbo

Thanks Yorkie, will get on it.
Am going to send them a letter confirming disinstruction and have already found another firm recommended by a friend.

DVardysShadow

In your letter, give the reason as the written quotation being at variance with the verbal quotation. Could be useful, if they look on disinstruction as an opportunity to fleece you some more.

G_M

jozbo wrote: »

we have just instructed a solicitor to deal with our property purchase, and today received the paperwork confirming the instruction.

however the breakdown of costs on paper differs wildy from the verbal quote i was given. they have added on indemnity insurance, stationery costs this is a REAL rip-off! etc on top of an already high fee !!!!!(i was only previously quoted the fee... plus disbursements which are, on paper, also inflated)

i have also been frustrated with trying to get through to them and been strung along a bit already with just getting to talk to the person dealing with our purchase -

warning signs...

i haven't sent them any money yet, so is it possible to now change solicitors and instruct a different firm? does it just involve telling the EA's and lender of the change?

Have you signed anything? An instruction? Acceptance of their terms of business?

If not, it's easy.

If you HAVE accepted, AND they hav started work, they can charge ypu for work done so far.

But get rid of them asap! In writing.