Can I change my solicitor?

[Alibobbob]

I have been granted legal aid because of my abusive ex.

Childcare issues are sorted now onto the divorce...

I haven’t spoken to my solicitor in a while. She is now contacting me asking if I want to sort finances or go straight for the decree absolute.

To put it bluntly I do not like my solicitor I think it’s mutual. She shouts at me and tends to give me a hard time. Seems rushed and impatient with me. She has made me cry twice. Her assistant stepped in once when she wasn’t listening to me.

She is a director in the firm. What are my options? Can I change firms? Can I change solicitor within the firm?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

It's been a while since I did legal aid work. You have to have a reason for changing firms. Usually they want to see that you've made a complaint that hasn't been resolved. The other problem you'll have is that you have to find another lawyer willing to take you on. Legal Aid is loss making, so good luck with that.

Perhaps there is someone else at the firm who can represent you?

They would have made you aware of the complaints procedure when you first signed up with them (it's usually included with their engagement letter).

I would make a complaint and hopefully that will be enough for her to modify her behaviour. If not, I'd ask to be transferred to another solicitor in the same firm as it will likely be easier administratively.

Thank you.

Can you also please advise if I will have to repay legal aid.

Thanks

We're just moving this to chat at the OP's request.

You might have to repay your legal aid if you benefit financially either by ending up with more than you started off with, or preserving something the other side was claiming.