Useless Solicitors

Hey

Just after some advice on my Solicitor. I feel that I am not getting the required attention from my Solicitor, but don''t want to complain directly to them in case they hold up my divorce any longer.
After filling in their paperwork for the divorce petition and returning it promptly, I had heard nothing for 2 weeks. I sent them an email which must have prompt them to look at the case. I was informed the following day that they needed a signature for the financial Consent Order, which was printed, signed and returned with EX160. The solicitor was kind enough to email a few days later to say that the petition had been submitted to the courts and that my ex should receive something 7-10 days. 3 weeks after this email we have not heard anything. I contact them, and they respond by saying that the court has rejected the fees claim, but the courts sent the solicitor a letter the day after it was submitted.

Is this common practice that the solicitor sit on everything until they are chased?
I find it ridiculous that I have to chase up this "managed" divorce.
Do I try change solicitor? Are there any guidelines for law practices?

Sorry to rant but I''m so angry. I''m trying to start my life again but everything is on hold because of these hold ups!!

Welcome to Wikivorce.

I know how frustrating it can be when correspondence isn''t replied to as promptly as the client would like, or when updates on situations such as you have described aren''t given straight away; but it is worth remembering that your solicitor will have a number of clients, all of whom want matters attending to straight away.

In the first instance you should address your concerns to the practice manager, explain that you understand that the sols is busy but that this is very stressful for you, and the lack of communications/updates is adding to the stress. Find out what your managed service actually covers, and if you have a named case manager, address all communications to them (you can always copy your solicitor in if you wish), and if they have a customer service/helpline, call them and ask that this is sorted out asap.

The law is slow, snails have been known to out-run legal processes, and sometimes a little patience is required - and a sharp pointy stick to use when the patience has run out

it''s more likely that your solicitor is over-worked rather than "useless".

The court don''t refuse EX160 applications, the legal services commission do, and they can be very slow indeed, though I''m told they are quite good right now, chances are the slow solicitor was actually waiting for the outcome of the EX160 application.

The Solicitor emailed me on Monday 17 September to say that the papers had been sent. After chasing the solicitor today 4th October they attached a letter from the court dated 18th September. I''m sure it didn''t take take that long to get from the court!!

We are only trying to help - the best way to find out why there has been the delay you perceive there to be is to contact the firm you are using and address your concerns to the practice manager or senior partner.