Changing Solicitot

[IfYoureHappyAndYouKnowIt]

How usual is it to be prevented from following a solicitor to a new firm by the existing practice? To me it seems strange for a practice to prevent clients from doing this.

solicitor !

You would only be prevented from going (from files being transfered) if you haven't paid any outstanding costs owed to the first firm. They are within their rights to hang onto the files until any outstanding accounts have been paid.

The solicitor might have a restrictive covenant in their contract with their old firm, although the Law Society/SRA say that no one should be able to stop you instructing the solicitor of your choice. I'd complain to the old firm on this basis if I were you.

Thanks. The problem is as you say Collaborate. I have thought of going to the SRA but wondered whether that would actually resolve this successfully quickly. Divorce is stressful enough as it is. Do you think existing solicitor will cave in and send files if I threaten...tbh bit concerned files will get stuck completely if upset them.

Pretty cross really as they charge a lot and then seem to be treating me pretty poorly.

Provided you've paid your bill with them IME the SRA will urge them to transfer the file across.

Ok thanks. Will probably contact SRA. Practice being rather slow responding to anything currently.