Court fees reclaimed before a court date?

[lovelysummer]

Hello, I currently have a medical negligence case that has been going on for years, Whilst waiting for a court date, I was surprised to get a call asking me to fill out a questionnaire to reclaim the court fees that had been paid, 2 sets up to now. Funnily enough, a few weeks after that, I received a call to tell me that the other side had agreed to a mediation trial, I just wondered why would they claim back court fees if it hadn't even gone to court at that point.

[atticus]

Aren't you the one reclaiming the fees?

[lovelysummer]

Aren't you the one reclaiming the fees?

Actually, claiming these myself, then no.
There were paid by the solicitor, I just wondered why you would reclaim the fees when the case hasn't even gone to court, especially if all of a sudden there is a mediation online, so if that doesn't work surely the case would go to court ?
So I am a little confused as to why they are claiming fees back already, as nothing has even been remotely agreed to as yet.

[atticus]

I think you may be missing the point. Isn't the reason for the reclaim that you are eligible for assistance with court fees, and not that the case is being dropped?

[lovelysummer]

Yes, eligible. However what I didnt/dont understand is why would they be asking for the fees back if they case hasn't gone to count, especially of the mediation doesn't work, is this standard.?
My point is that if the fees are paid for the case to be heard, but then they ask for them back weeks before they even tell me about a surprise call for mediation is this normal?

[atticus]

They would be asking for the fees back because they are entitled to reclaim them on behalf of their client.

This has nothing to do with whether the case goes to full hearing in court or not.

It may be an unusual thought, but have you discussed this with your solicitor?

[lovelysummer]

They would be asking for the fees back because they are entitled to reclaim them on behalf of their client.

This has nothing to do with whether the case goes to full hearing in court or not.

It may be an unusual thought, but have you discussed this with your solicitor?

I wanted to ask the question as a lot seems odd with the solicitor.

Thank you