Challenging solicitor's bill

Falafels

This is just hypothetical at the moment, but if I receive a bill for conveyancing that I intend to query - should I pay it first, and then challenge it; or should I not pay it before getting into negotiations?

[Deleted User]

Falafels said:

This is just hypothetical at the moment, but if I receive a bill for conveyancing that I intend to query - should I pay it first, and then challenge it; or should I not pay it before getting into negotiations?

Possession is 9/10th of the law.  If you receive a bill, any bill not just one from a solicitor, and you don't understand it or want to query something on it then do so before handing any money over.

davidmcn

There's no special reason why you ought to pay it first. Though obviously any complaints will be more credible if you make them at the first possible opportunity, not after they've spent several months chasing you for payment.

Thrugelmir

If the solicitor doesn't have your funds then your property transaction isn't going to complete. Solicitors know the law inside out if you intend to enter into "negotiations" to dispute their charges. Obtain several quotes for the work before you appoint a conveyancer. Make sure that they know the type of property you are purchasing. In order that all potential costs can be allowed for. 

greatcrested

The answer depends on where you have reached in the conveyancing.

If the sale/purchase has not yet Completed, you'll find that failing to pay (or reach agreement) will mean the sale/purchase will not happen.

If Completion has taken place, then you have a stronger position to contest the bill before paying.

davidmcn

Thrugelmir said:

If the solicitor doesn't have your funds then your property transaction isn't going to complete.

Ah yes, sorry that would be a reason for paying first! But you should be querying anything on the completion statement you don't understand (or disagree with) as soon as you get it.