Conveyancing charge -fixed / hourly rates

anear

Yes, the stamp duty is correct with the recent change. Thanks for the reminder.

Carpi09 wrote: »

Is that stamp duty correct with the new changes?

TBagpuss

anear wrote: »

Yes, they have clarified this. They replied:
"The terms and conditions are standard throughout the company.
It is the client care letter that sets out the costs therefore my cost quoted will stand."

My worry is that the client care letter (where their quote is listed) is not legally binding, whereas the terms and conditions they ask me to sign is. I am not comfortable to sign something which is completely different from what we agreed. It will put me in a vulnerable position if there is a dispute in the future, esp. they are a law firm.

If thee was a dispute then the letter you have is very clear, and would protect you. The onus would be on them to show that they had discussed and agreed with you any additional fees.

That said, what Richard Webster says is correct and it is very common for the terms of business / client care letter to include provision allowing the solicitor to charge hourly rates for additional work in the event that the matter becomes unusually or unexpectedly complex. However, it would be normal for the solicitor to tell you if that became the situation, and in your case, they have specifically said that the fixed fee will stand which would make it very difficult to claim anything extra from you.

anear

Many thanks for your replies. I will sign the general T&C then.