Solicitor's errors regarding property sale

[Shubert]

Hi - the solicitor firm that I have just used to sell my part in a property have been very incompetent. It took more than 7 months despite no onward chain and buyers with mortgage in place. There has been a catalogue of errors. Finally, I received payment 2 days ago and then yesterday received an email from the solicitor saying that they had overpaid me by 22,500 and wanted it back asap. I stalled for a day due to shock and wondering if it was genuine. Today they have sent a threatening email saying that they will use the theft act of 1968 to pursue criminal charges against me if I don't respond immediately. I am now inclined to investigate what my legal position is regarding the return of the money. I was going to make a formal complaint against the firm anyway even before this happened. Advice greatly received.

[des8]

Hi and welcome.

My initial response would be to ask them for a complete breakdown of their calculations justifying the overpayment if they haven't already demonstrated the overpayment.

If they are correct, of course the money must be repaid.
You can always tell them you are making arrangements to refund the monies in due course.
This will remove any chance of a successful prosecution under the theft act, which requires intention to permanently deprive.

I would send in my complaint to them at the same time