More Straw

[tamaranth]

At the beginning of the week the consensus seemed to be that my flat sale might get to exchange in the next fortnight.

But no.

An Estate Agent Writes: "I am afraid there is a delay. Apparently your solicitor did not look at the replies to enquiries which they received and sent them to your buyers solicitor."

I add: Apparently my solicitor is an idiot not doing her job, because I've now seen a copy of what she sent the buyers' solicitors, and it is stamped all over with 'refer to managing agency' -- even on the enquiries where I have provided information. (How the hell would the managing agency know the plan for handing over the keys? Or whether the property is actually empty?)

Your starter for ten: Can I sack my solicitor? Can I demand a new one? What are the implications?

Comments

[marypcb.livejournal.com]

ask a new solicitor for a quote and an estimate of how long it will take (would recomend one but he's in Bath). Ask current solicitor for a reduction in the bill based on what they've done wrong and compare the two. You can certainly drop current idiot, but find out if it will take longer than your worst case scenario with current idiot.

Write up the issues, copy the documents and consult the law society because you can get compensation for bad soliciting that causes financial problems. Law society helpline 0845 608 6565 offers to tell you "what help is available to resolve your complaint". Average award is £450 but you have to have tackled the issues with current idiot and given them a chance to fix. http://www.legalcomplaints.org.uk/financial-compensation.page

And I'd drop a quick note to the buyer saying it's issues you're actively working on fixing so they feel they're in the loop, without actually promising them anything.