Changing solicitors

Tightaz

Have any of you changes solicitor mid transaction? My current solicitor is giving me more excuses than results and at a snails pace. Before you ask, I have tried to deal with the management of the firm and it’s clear from those exchanges where the poor customer service culture comes from.

greatcrested

Well depending how far the sale/purchase has progressed, changing solicitor will set you back as the new one willprobably start again from scratch.

The current one will send you a bill for their work to date (at an hourly rate), and the new one charge you full fee from the start.

So basically you'll get extra cost and extra delay. Whether the new one will work faster and make up for the repeat work depends how far you've already got, how much fastr they work, and whether the current delays are actually the solicitor's fault or external factors that the new solicitor will also face.

momo1103

Are you currently selling or buying?
What have they said is causing it to take so long? I know with the current 'corona climate' we can appreciate things that would normally be 'quick' will be taking a little longer than usual.

I agree with greatcrested that your current solicitor will charge you a bill and the new one will probably start from scratch and you would end up paying more than if you had just stayed with the original.

That said, you may feel it's worth forking out a little extra if it means things will move faster and if getting a new solicitor will be better for your mental health (I know I would happily get at least a quote to see how much extra it would be).

I am currently buying a house and my solicitors have been great and are keeping me informed every step of the way. Not sure about the rules on this forum yet but I would happily recommend them to you if you wanted a quote from them?

lalna

greatcrested said:

Well depending how far the sale/purchase has progressed, changing solicitor will set you back as the new one willprobably start again from scratch.

The current one will send you a bill for their work to date (at an hourly rate), and the new one charge you full fee from the start.

So basically you'll get extra cost and extra delay. Whether the new one will work faster and make up for the repeat work depends how far you've already got, how much fastr they work, and whether the current delays are actually the solicitor's fault or external factors that the new solicitor will also face.

Hourly rate??? I would never pay a solicitor an hourly rate. Go for fixed fees and get many quotes before instructing anyone.

hazyjo

How long is long? Are they even in the office? Are they short staffed, or with some furloughed?

How far into the purchase are you? If nearly there, obviously I'd not want to instruct another (and pay twice).

greatcrested

lalna said:

greatcrested said:

Well depending how far the sale/purchase has progressed, changing solicitor will set you back as the new one willprobably start again from scratch.

The current one will send you a bill for their work to date (at an hourly rate), and the new one charge you full fee from the start.

So basically you'll get extra cost and extra delay. Whether the new one will work faster and make up for the repeat work depends how far you've already got, how much fastr they work, and whether the current delays are actually the solicitor's fault or external factors that the new solicitor will also face.

Hourly rate??? I would never pay a solicitor an hourly rate. Go for fixed fees and get many quotes before instructing anyone.

In all probability (I'm making an educated guess as I've not seen the OP's contract with his solicitor), he was quoted a fixed fee for the conveyancing. However that would assume the sale (or purchase?) completed.

If the OP changes solicitor mid-way, his contract with his original solicitor will allow them to charge an hourly rate for work so far I imagine.