solicitor letter

[Guest]

Hi, I signed an agreement through my ex partners solicitor regarding child care arrangements back in 2014. I now need a copy of this letter and have contacted his solicitor only to be told they no longer have this. Do they legally not have to keep files for a certain amount of time. Or are they refusing because I am not the client; although they will hold data on me. I just want to know if I’m being given the brush off or if they can legally just refuse. Thanks

[efpom]

They have not refused - they do not have it. Why did you not keep a copy?

[2222]

It would be usual to store files for 6 years, in case of complaints. Also, the letter will have been typed on a computer, and there's probably a backup somewhere with it on. So, I suspect you are being given the brush off.

I guess you only need the text, not the signed agreement?

It is a right PITA to find this stuff after such a long time, and I'm not all that surprised you are being told that it cannot be located. I suggest a formal letter of complaint to the senior partner. You want them to try harder, and complaining is your best bet.

HOWEVER, they have every right to charge for the time spent. Are you prepared to pay? How about if they spend £500 worth of time looking?