To be pissed off with my solicitor

[TartWithTheCart35]

Only just started divorce proceedings so saw my solicitor for the first time middle of sept. Stbxh received divorce papers last week.

So I rung my sol up today to make an app regarding the financial disclosure to be told she has gone on adoption leave until Feb!! My details have been passed to another sol and her secretary was surprised she didn't tell me!

I'm so pissed off because this sol was recommended to me and she has said we will try and get you x,y and z in the settlement, well that might not happen now and dealing with someone different.

I've made an app to see new sol that's taken on my case. But we're do I stand if I dont rate him as I've paid a deposit? Could I get that back?

My original sol seemed like she would really fight for me. Feel so gutted now.

I saw one that was so laid back she was horizontal. That was the whole idea of those free meetings. So if this new one is crap...!!

Being laid back doesn't mean bad. Some of the best solicitors I have known have been 'laid back.

Just light a 'fighting' for you solicitor doesn't mean good.

As a PP suggested, your contract is with the firm. However, your client care letter is required to tell you who is dealing with your matter.

I don’t know if it’s an accredited firm or not, but if it is then they’re required to tell you if the person dealing with your matter changes. They’ve failed to do that, which is poor service at best, and a breach of their accreditation requirements at worst.

You’re not likely to get a refund though if they’re a time recording firm - if the solicitor has done work on your case, the time spent is logged on the system and you’re charged accordingly. If another solicitor takes over you still need to pay the original lot (although you could withdraw your instructions at this point and then they can’t really charge you anything further from that point).

She didn't inform me though. I rung up today to make an app to see her, that's when I found out!!

Are you saying that the only meeting you actually had was the free one?

are you saying that the only meeting you actually had was the free one?

No, I'd instructed her so had another meeting and payed my deposit.

YANBU OP - even if she had gone on adoption leave the firm should have let you know. I would have expected her to have contingency emails in place ready to go when she got the go-ahead. The stork does not appear out of the blue.

With a divorce it's important that you meet and like the solicitor representing you. See whether you like the proposed replacement hopefully you will.

I would make sure that you are not paying any additional costs for them to familiarise themselves with your case.

sorry this happened.

1. The only person we know to be crap thus far is secretary (her phone call left you confused and angry )
2. On the other hand, now you're "stuck" with someone you don't know.
3. What's the timeframe here? Do you even have the luxury of looking around any more? or is action required immediately?
4. Unless you have the time/energy to keep looking, I think I'd make the best of it and move on with new solicitor at this point.

It's not how you wanted things to be but I think I'd try to develop a good relationship with him moving forward. If your next meeting with him is unsatisfactory, that's different.

best of luck

You ABU the fact that your solicitor is on leave does not change the law. She has given you advice based on your circumstances and the solicitor taking over will have an attendance note of that meeting. You may get a better solicitor, you may get better advice with fresh eyes.