Solicitor refusing to show me what money i owe

Snow joke

Basically the long and short of this is; We have a solicitor who is taking care of my deceased parents estate and we are currently trying to sell the house. The solicitor has drawn up the paperwork and contract to sell the house, which is grand.

The thing is, ive asked for an itemized list of everything they've done and the cost associated with it thus far (im not including the closing and all that). I have made this request several times but my solicitor is refusing to send me an invoice to date or any sort of financials. Are they allowed to do this? From my understanding, I should be able to know exactly what I'm paying for, Am I wrong in this?

Pat Mustard

This information should have been given to you.

I would ask for an appointment to come in to discuss it.

Appointments focus the mind.

Snow joke

I asked serveral times, They have told me outright that they will not be giving me any financial documents or invoice until everything is complete, which i think is absurd. I cant ask for an appointment. Im in another country

myshirt

Of course, should have a time sheet and the information should be readily accessible. I would harbour a guess and say he doesn't have his affairs as well in order on that side, potentially not as sharp as should be, or alternatively anticipates you may wish to nitpick through it and chip at the price . If it's that then no doubt he will ensure absolutely everything is thorough on it so it won't hit him if you opt to get it taxed. Though in saying, any experience I had of getting it taxed, there was nearly always an automatic 10% off.

Snow joke

Ya see, I don't mind paying what's owed. I will happily pay them for work done. They have been quite useless though and if they continue to stonewall me I have someone that can hack a decent bit off and give them hell, and he is good at this sort of thing :P

I just want to know if i have a right to it, just want to be 100% sure about it

Pat Mustard

See here then ring them again and demand a breakdown of all costs.

You could consider moving your business to another solicitor altogether. I wouldn't be happy with the attitude of the current firm.

Snow joke

I would if it was a business. Its my mothers estate, she left it to us in the will and with those solicitors and they are taking care of the sale of the house as well. so once we are done with the sale (whenever that happens) I will be cutting all ties with them

Pat Mustard

Snow joke wrote: »

I would if it was a business. Its my mothers estate, she left it to us in the will and with those solicitors and they are taking care of the sale of the house as well. so once we are done with the sale (whenever that happens) I will be cutting all ties with them

Who is the executor in your mother's estate? Is it a solicitor in that firm?

Snow joke

No executor, I am in control of the estate now. The executor signed it over years ago

Dozer Dave

You may need to hire a solicitor to deal with this matter.

Arbiter of Good Taste

I would only deal with large firms in my work, but I'm constantly asking them what kind of time they have on the clock, no problem. Sounds to me that your fellow doesn't have his affairs in order

Tow

As per Pats link request a 'Section 68 Letter' in writing from the solicitor. Google 'Section 68 Letter' for more detail.

Pat Mustard

Snow joke wrote: »

No executor, I am in control of the estate now. The executor signed it over years ago

If the estate has been administered and if you making the decisions now, I don't see why you wouldn't just move your business elsewhere.