Solicotor fees-confusion

I am in a difficult position. I have been going through my divorce for 3 years. My ex, who is very difficult, has been through several solicitors. I have also, my father had engaged a solicitor for me and said it should go to court, as had my previous solicitor. We are currently in this process, had first appointment and FDR, no agreement. The final hearing should be set for about June/July 2012. However, there is now an outstanding bill from this solicitor.
My father has always told me that he is responsible for this bill, however he is not wishing or able to pay the bill at this time.
The solicitor firm wish for full payment for all services up to now or they are to pass this on to their debt collectors and cease to act for me.
My father has told me he has paid some considerable sums up to now, but we have not received notification of such.

I am currently unemployed with 2 children, 10 and 6, who I care for most of the time.
I personally have no savings.

My father has offered a small amount lump sum plus a schedule of standing order payments.
The firm rejected this.

My solicitor has told me that, as I signed as the client, the letter of engagement, that the debt collectors will come to me.

I am in a quandary as to the best way forward.

I wish to make settlement by offer letters prior to final hearing to negate the further expense this will incur.

Your solicitor is correct in that as you are the client, and therefore responsible for paying the bill, any outstanding amount that is passed to debt collectors will have your name on the account, and it will be you they peruse.

I would have thought that payment, either in full or part, of the bill would have resulted in them sending out a letter confirming that payment. Can your father prove that he has paid the monies to the firm, and that it was on your behalf? If so, then the firm should have sent out a receipt of payment.

Solicitors, like everyone else, like to be paid, and one of the reasons for not allowing a huge bill to accumulate is to prevent the client (ie you) from being in the position where they are unable to pay, and the firm then have to take steps to recover what is owed to them.

If you are unemployed, have you applied for legal aid?

Those who find themselves unable to pay the legal bills often have no alternative but to become a litigant in person (self-rep) - perhaps if you are unable to pay your current bill, this is an option for you? Wikivorce has a wealth of information for those self-repping.