Separated, how much should I provide?

ampersand

JackRS wrote: »

...........
Total so far to £6321 to this solicitor....
#
Jack, is this bill solely from replacement for her pregnant colleague?
:eek:, if so.
I suppose 'reading hours' can be padded up, in which case NO errors are excusable, yet inattention means they have occurred.
A true professional, caring for her client, would be furious that her £6321 worth of intensive work[not Jack's intensive work and necessary checking] is being put on the back boiler.

CruisingSaver

Ampersand


The bill covers the period from October to December, but even so considering that no progress has been made it's ridiculously high.


I'm from a different profession (accountancy) but when I worked in private practice any reading hours required on my taking over a client from someone else were not billed to the client but recorded as Admin time. I would hope that the same applies here!


CS

ampersand

CruisingSaver wrote: »

Ampersand


The bill covers the period from October to December, but even so considering that no progress has been made it's ridiculously high.



I'm from a different profession (accountancy) but when I worked in private practice any reading hours required on my taking over a client from someone else were not billed to the client but recorded as Admin time. I would hope that the same applies here!


CS

#
Yes, I know what sum>period is covered, cs.
re:'any reading hours taking over a client from someone else were not billed to the client but recorded as Admin time' - the cynic in me is saying 'Chance would be a fine thing.'

Any luck on phone today Jack?

CruisingSaver

ampersand wrote: »

#
Yes, I know what sum>period is covered, cs.
re:'any reading hours taking over a client from someone else were not billed to the client but recorded as Admin time' - the cynic in me is saying 'Chance would be a fine thing.'

Any luck on phone today Jack?

Apologies Ampersand your original post read, to me at least, as though you thought the bill was only for the handover between solicitors.


Anyhow, here's hoping that 2015 sees a happy conclusion for Jack.

justme111

I do not follow jack ' s charges reports in detail. If charges are not reasonable I would consider complaining to whoever regulates solicitors , they are one of most regulated professions /trades and I would expect a complaint to result in investigation / refund, hope someone with more legal experience will comment. I probably would talk to other solicitors as well and see whether there would be any i would feel comfortable to take over.
Sorry I did not follow the numbers on a pension figures - does providing new numbers benefit you in any way , Jack ?
Ah , and happy new year , when all this is over please do mot disappear without updating us and updates for years to come about relationship with children and retrospective view of it all would be welcome as well

JackRS

Settlement Proposals
1) There are twoapproaches to offering spousal maintenance.

The first approach is to accept that you have a marriage of 27years and it is likely that the court will order some form of spousalmaintenance. I know from your instructions that you are consideringpaying maintenance. If we offer spousal maintenance now, we are much morelikely to reach an agreement before the next court hearing and we could avoid thecosts of attending that hearing.

The second approach is to wait for the Judge to give an indicationat the FDR. If we do make offers that include spousal maintenance and weare just having an argument as to the amount of maintenance, the Judge will beable to assist. If spousal maintenance is not on the table, the Judgewill have to indicate whether he thinks that any form of spousal maintenance ispayable in your case.
The risk is that the Judge, having seen an offer for spousalmaintenance, will be more likely to indicate that it is payable and also bemore open to ordering maintenance for a longer term than you areoffering. If there is no offer to pay, the Judge may suggest a compromiseof paying for a term of 2-3 years.
It is a matter for you as to which approach you wish to take and Ilook forward to hearing form you on that point.
2) I do think that thecar is a good bargaining point. As you say, it is worth much more to herthan £185 per month you are paying.
3) Although thedefinition of net sale proceeds is standard, I have added this for theavoidance of doubt.
4) I have added thepoint about the house contents.


Any views people on what direction I should take as clearlymy solicitor is on the fence?

duchy

I think the solicitor is saying ....Offer limited time spousal maintainance whilst wifey is finally moving south - where jobs in her skill sent are more plentiful which gives her the cushion to move but with an expecation that 18 months or 2 years is long enough for her to establish a home and settle into a job.

I think she's saying if you don't the judge may ask why you aren't and postpone again.

nicegirl

I had to read it twice but I think I agree with Duchy, and with the second approach suggested by the solicitor.

JackRS

nicegirl wrote: »

I had to read it twice but I think I agree with Duchy, and with the second approach suggested by the solicitor.

2nd approach is not to offer SM and wait for FDR judge to suggest?

JackRS

I just replied to my solicitor with the following:


In terms of Spousal Maintenanceyou are indicating that it’s not clear which approach to take, from yourguidance it would seem not to offer it at this stage would be appropriate, as Isuspect even if I offered they would contest the amount and term and still pushto FDR.