We wanted to buy a business, so we met with this solicitor and we had a quote for £800-£1000. Which means minimum would be £800 and the maximum would be £1000. But the bill is now £1713.56. Please help...
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Similar thing happened to me a number of times...there is always something to 'add on'...more research they had to do etc. -
Was it a quote or an estimate? In the case of the former it is binding (but I very much doubt that a solicitor would ever do that). You have a limited number of options:-Originally posted by blueberryfinn View Post
- Ask the very nicely to charge you less
- Get the bill taxed by the law society (generally a pointless exercise)
- Pay them 1k in full and final settlement and hope for the best
- Argue they breached their duty of care by not notifying you of the increasing cost
It's difficult to have a serious argument with a solicitor. Can be hard to find anybody who will act on your behalf. In any event you will almost certainly burn more cash than you have a hope of recovering.Comment
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what does the breakdown of costs say about where the overspend occurred? get one if you havent got one...Originally posted by blueberryfinn View PostI didn't say it was your ******* fault, I said I was blaming you!Comment
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You needed to ask for a quote inclusive or exclusive of VAT just so you know rather than just say 'how much to.............'
Seeing as the bill is more than twice the lower 'estimate' you were given, I'd tell your solicitor you're not paying £1700 but are prepared to reach a compromise. Offer him £1000 and see what he says.I couldn't give two fornicators! Yes, really!
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I got a contract review done some years ago when offered a one third share in a business. My solicitor ripped me off in much the same way. I phoned them to query the bill and their flat reaction was to laugh and say "You can't sue us, we're solicitors. Pay the bill or else."Originally posted by blueberryfinn View Post
I had been with them for years: house conveyances, wills and other bits.
Bastards.My all-time favourite Dilbert cartoon, this is: BTW, a Dumpster is a brand of skip, I think.Comment
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As long as you have the quote documented, you should be able to take it further. Firstly, write to the solicitor with your complaint.
If you have an unsatisfactory outcome, contact the Legal Complaints Service (www.legalcomplaints.org.uk). They can take the matter further if you have evidence they can work with.Comment
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