Exploitive solicitor fees for simple, low value probate?

Daniel54

Solicitor’s costs money.I am not one but consider say £300 per hour to be in the ballpark.Last year we finally concluded a more complex estate than yours at a cost of more than £20,000.,It was what it was,but we continually had to remind a co- executor that every time he raised an issue with them ,then that was a cost to the estate,including emails and phone calls.

if you feel,you have been over charged for hours spent,then you can legitimately query and complain.

Worried_fool

The Solicitor's Regulatory Authority (SRA) offers a bill-checking service that they call 'taxation'. Details should be given on the invoice from your solicitor.

If you are sure that they are charging you for putting right mistakes that you have noticed, as well as charging you for doing the work wrongly the first time, that is completely out of order.

In the first instance you should follow this solicitor's complaints process: again, they should have told you about this process as part of their 'terms of engagement' that should be given to you when you agree to employ them.

RAS

Make a formal compliant to the firm. Do sit down first and detail

Date: Received x from solicitor. Identified errors.

Date Sent corrections

Date Received revised x. One correction not made.

Date, sent reminder

Details of their complaints procedure should be on their bill and web-site. Many expect the first complaint to go to the department, then escalate if not satisfied.

If still not satisfied, go to the Legal Ombudsman.

I note one issue is that this is letters of administration with two deceased executors. Did they explain that there would be additional costs to manage that process?