Solicitor’s fees much more than estimate.

TabithaSabitha

I’ve exchanged contracts on the sale of my house. The conveyancing solicitor gave me an estimated fee at the outset. Now he says it will cost more than 3x more, but he never discussed this with me in advance, while the process was ongoing. In his original letter and terms of business he said additional costs would be notified in writing in advance. It has been a lengthy process with a few complications but nothing exceptional. He has sent me a list of all his letters, calls, emails on which his fee is based. I’m shocked by what he’s asking for. I don’t want to annoy him before completion date next week but I do need to do something. Have others got experience of this?

loubel

Was he charging you by the hour? That's unusual for conveyancing, but if he didn't warn you that you had reached the original estimate then you shouldn't have to pay more. 

Wonka_2

Maybe best to define ‘a few complications’ ? Was the original cost £xx + disbursements of an ‘all in’ cost ? And is all the extra cost made up of dealing with the complications ? 

Was this a local solicitor or an internet special ? 

km1500

if the terms of business say that extra costs will be notified in advance then that is what should happen

if they didn't do that then you have grounds for a complaint so I would complain using their complaints procedure