Solicitor demanding instant payment

[flippingheck43]

Hi,
Solicitor in matrimonial case is demanding immediate payment on an invoice sent just yesterday that I have a question about. I have asked him the question today about the invoice and his reply was to say that it was payable immediately and that he was going to immediately refer it to their debt collection process which would have monetary implications for me.

But the invoice was emailed to me yesterday for the first time.

The back of their invoice states that they will refer it to debt recovery only after 30 days.

A google search reveals that it is the Solicitors Act 1974 section 69 that says an invoice can only be referred to debt collection processes and Interest applied after 30 days.

I would like to quote that in my reply to him, but I just want to check that that's the correct Act - it seems really old, has it been updated and if so, what with?

Thank you very much.

Do you require the solicitor to do further work in the matter? It is possible that he is asking for money before being able to carry on with the case. Are you sure the email is not the reminder and the invoice was sent previously?

No further work needed.

I am certain it was not a reminder. I have triple checked, it was emailed to me 24 hours previously and it had that date on it.

I would imagine cash flow problems at the firm! Ignore the threat to refer to debt collection, raise the query concerning the fees and see what they say in response. Unless they have paid out court fees etc on your behalf that need immediate payment then their invoice/letter of engagement should state when payment is due. If the invoice has been legitimately raised for the correct amount then you should pay as soon as possible within those terms.