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Legal matters

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Do I need to change my solicitor?

5 replies

SpiderManMum · 09/01/2013 10:14

Hello,
I'm going through a rather acrimonious divorce and am having a few doubts about my solicitor. I'm looking for a bit of advice as to whether I am being picky or if I should be considering changing.

I had an initial consultation where she took down my basic details. When I returned for a second meeting her notes had been typed up but stated that I had a 10 year old DD when I have a 6 year old DS.

She sent me a draft petition through to sign and I picked up that my date of birth was incorrect (completely wrong date altogether) and that there were 2 spelling mistakes (pedant).

My ex had made a complaint about me to his solicitor who telephoned mine. It took mine 2 days to send me an email at 7pm at night to inform me of the complaint.

My DS is getting very distressed at handover time with Ex and is refusing to go. I emailed her Sunday night to ask for advice if I postpone overnight access until we can get to the bottom of the problem and I still as yet, have not had a response from her (weds). Meanwhile ex is getting increasingly irrate.

I know none of these issues in isolation are the end of world but I'm losing confidence in her. Should I be considering finding a new one or am I being precious?

If I switch, how difficult is this to do? My ex has just returned his acknowledgement of service if that is relevant and we have not agreed access or finances as yet.

I don't even know what her fees are either which is a bit worrying!
Thanks

OP posts:
Collaborate · 09/01/2013 10:23

I'm assuming you don't have legal aid.

Go elsewhere. It's easy to do. Just pick up the phone.

If you have LA it's not easy to find another solicitor to take your case on.

In all cases she should have sent you terms of business and a cost estimate.

SpiderManMum · 09/01/2013 10:26

Thanks collaborate.

No I don't qualify for legal aid. Do I have to call and tell her that I am changing solicitor or will the new one just request my info?

OP posts:
Collaborate · 09/01/2013 10:39

The latter, though if you've just had an initial interview there might not be any documentation to transfer.

You'll have to pay her bill though.

SpiderManMum · 09/01/2013 10:46

Thank you.

OP posts:
Delalakis · 13/01/2013 20:13

To be fair to your solicitor, this isn't necessarily the best time of year to be expecting instant answers from her - she has probably been away and has a mountainous backlog, and/or may be out at court a lot. Did you try phoning her about the contact problem?

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