Our 1 Minute Guide to Challenging Legal Fees

Your solicitor cannot just charge whatever amount he or she likes

Their fees must be –

Clearly Explained

They should be presented clearly and in such a way that you understand what you are being charged for and how the charge is calculated

Reasonable

By law Solicitors can only charge "a reasonable amount for work reasonably done"

Correct

The fees must be calculated in accordance with their terms of business

If a solicitor's fees are excessive they can be checked by the Court under the provisions of the Solicitors Act 1974, and the Court's decision is binding.

It is an automatic right to have your legal fees checked by the court, as long as you make the application within one month of receipt of the bill. If the application is made later than that the Court may agree to check your fees and, after a year, it becomes much more unlikely (though not impossible). For full details of the time limits please refer to the more detailed article http://www.checkmylegalfees.com/index.php/news/a-full-guide-to-assessment-under-solicitors-act-1974

If your fees are reduced by 20% or more then, unless there are special circumstances, your solicitor has to pay all of the costs of the scrutiny process.

If your fees are not reduced at all, or reduced by less than 20%, you are likely to have to pay the costs of the scrutiny process.

If you feel that you have been overcharged, we can provide free, independent and expert advice and may be able to achieve a reduction or refund.