Hiya there,

I met my solicitor January 2007. I have now been separated from soon 2bx for over three years. Everything seems to be taking forever. However, I am now realising that my solicitor is the problem, apart from the ex!

I gave her the money to organise form A two months ago, so we could apply to court for a date. Despite saying this would be done, it still hasn't been. One excuse was she forgot; another was she had been ill; another was that she had had no time.

The question I am asking is, should I allow her to represent me, if she doesn't do as I have asked? If I decide to ask another solicitor to represent me, do I have to settle my legal bill straight away or could I pay off something each month?

I am at my wits end and just don't know what to do.

My case is a difficult case as it is due to my neanderthal ex, who won't consent to any kind of reasonable financial settlement. I do feel my sol understands me and would do a good job of representing me. But, she doesn't follow through with things she says she will, leaving me stressed out!

Any advice?

Thanks

Cavegirl

Cavegirl,

At risk of flak .. might I suggest you take advantage of a free half hour with a wiki lawyer to at least get a seond opinion on your situation. Then you can work out what is the best way for you to go ahead. It sounds like your sol is not helping at all .. and IMO should be refunding you charges rather than expecting you to pay them.

How much is outstanding?

I don't know if you do have to pay it off before handing over the files - but again a short chat with a legal eagle would sort that for you to. I did it. I am very glad I did.

Hadenoughnow

Hi Cavegirl,

Adding to Hadenough's post - your file at your solicitor is exactly that; it is yours.

Should you change solicitors or decide to do it yourself, then please don't be fobbed off if the old one says they can't release your papers to you.

They may have there own internal bits and pieces but you instructed them and whatever they did was for you and paid for by you - it is yours and they should hand it over.

They shouldn't deny you your file, but then again they should have organised Form A.

Good luck

YA

Hi. I changed my Solicitor but am deeply suspicious that it's a closed shop and they then treat you as an awkward customer. You definitely need to have paid up to date before they will release your file to another. All I can suggest is really try to sit down with her (having a trusted friend with you helps a lot) and voice your concerns - it might just be a lack of communication between you thaqt could be resolved?? Good luck! Debbie