The UK's largest and most visited divorce site.
Modern, convenient and affordable services.

We've helped over 1 million people since 2007.

 
Click this button for details of our
email, phone nbr and free consultations.
 

What costs could my Solicitor claim?

  • debsn
  • debsn's Avatar Posted by
  • Senior Member
  • Senior Member
More
08 Aug 08 #38617 by debsn
Topic started by debsn
Hi, my delightful Solicitor is taking me to Court rather than discuss the issues I have with her charges! Does anyone know what "costs" she could claim should I lose? I'm at a point of negotiation where she has offered £1000 off the bill of £4100 left to pay, plus £500 compensation (this has all been done through the Legal Complaints Service) but I don't think that is enough of a reduction. If I do not agree a settlement and let her take me to Court on 5th Sept, could she add her "time" to the fees payable to the Court - in which case it will be a massive gamble and could cost me far more..... Debbie.

  • Sera
  • Sera's Avatar
  • User is blocked
  • User is blocked
More
09 Aug 08 #38872 by Sera
Reply from Sera
Debs,
You said in your other thread; that she had overcharged the agreed hourly rate. If you calculate the hourly rate you've paid; less the hourly rate agreed; does the difference come to around the £1500 she is offering to deduct?

If a judge deems her as having HAD to go to court to resolve this issue; then I'm pretty sure she'll charge for it! If she's there with a barrister representing her (or her firm) then that's a double-whammy!

I complained once about sols fees of £7,000 which was immediately reduced to £5,800 There is a normal rate for complaints!

It's like gambling. Are you prepared for the losses if you lose?

  • debsn
  • debsn's Avatar Posted by
  • Senior Member
  • Senior Member
More
09 Aug 08 #38893 by debsn
Reply from debsn
No, Sera - I simply don't have the money regardless. (Penniless from divorce!)
The £1500 is a £1000 for what she overcharged for the FDR, plus £500 "compensation" for distress. The difference in hourly rates equates to another £600 on top. If I can get her to agree to something around that figure then I'd settle now rather than take the risk of a Judge seeing my point of view. I spoke to the LCS yesterday and they agree with me so there's still hope! She's responding on Monday so I'll go back to the LCS if not happy.

Moderators: wikivorce teamrubytuesdaydukeyhadenoughnowTetsSheziLinda SheridanForsetiMitchumWhiteRoseLostboy67WYSPECIALBubblegum11

Do you need help sorting out a fair financial settlement?

Our consultant service offers expert advice and support to help you reach agreement on a fair financial settlement quickly, and for less than a quarter of the cost of using a traditional high street solicitor.

 

We can help you to get a fair financial settlement.

Negotiate a fair deal from £299

Helping you negotiate a fair financial settlement with your spouse (or their solicitor) without going to court.


Financial Mediation from £399

Financial mediation is a convenient and inexpensive way to agree on a fair financial settlement.


Consent Orders from £950

This legally binding agreement defines how assets (e.g. properties and pensions) are to be divided.


Court Support from £299

Support for people who have to go to court to get a fair divorce financial settlement without a solicitor.