Conveyancing Abortive Fee Advice

[afcnick85]

Hi Guys,

After some advice regarding a reasonable amount to pay for abortive fees.

We recieved a shocking service from a solicitors firm, with lack of contact etc.. Adds to our annoyance with them. Through no fault of theirs, we pulled out of the purchase due to an issue that the searches revealed regarding some subsidence the property had previously suffered.

We have just recieved a bill from the firm for £498 in abortive fees. We had paid £250 up front which covers the searches.

The process was pre-contract, and so I find it hard to believe any firm can expect £748 in total, considering the conveyancing fee upon completion was a set fee at £750.

Am I being unreasonable in thinking the work to do with contracts and completion should far exceed £2, and therefore, the abortive fee's are clearly excessive.


Have struggled to find a similar issue elsewhere on this site, so any advice is very much appreciated.



Cheers,



Nick

[afcnick85]

Re: Conveyancing Abortive Fee Advice

Should have also mentioned the sale price was £215,000 and the firm were on Santanders 'reccomended' panel.

[MissFM]

Re: Conveyancing Abortive Fee Advice

Hi Nick , welcome to LB.

If you haven't already done so, write asking for a full breakdown of these fees. Make it crystal clear that this is to be provided at no cost to yourself.

If you're not satisfied, then write to the managing partner a letter headed Formal Complaint requiring them to activate their complaints procedure and investigate at no cost to yourself.

If you're still not happy go to the Legal Ombudsman Service. See Here:http://www.legalombudsman.org.uk/downloads/documents/publications/Ten-helpful-tips-conveyancing.pdf


HTH x

[stevemLS]

Re: Conveyancing Abortive Fee Advice

Of course they are entitled to abortive costs when you pulled out of the transaction, the vast majority of work is done pre-exchange. £500 represents 2-3 hrs work in most firms charging rates.