Solicitor is shocked by cost claims

AN Oldham solicitor has spoken of his shock at claims that people feel overcharged by family lawyers — and that unscrupulous firms exploit acrimonious divorces.

A scathing report by the Legal Ombudsman states that one in five people feel they have been overcharged and were not aware of what legal fees could amount to.

In response, Daniel Prince, who heads the family law department at Pearson Hinchliffe LLP in Queen Street, Oldham, said: “I do find this shocking. In any case, right from the outset, a client should be given as accurate cost information as possible, and then sent a letter setting out in writing the likely costs of the case.”

He added that it was often difficult to predict exact costs, especially if there were several issues to resolve, such as divorce, finances and children issues.

Mr Prince said: “It is for this reason that we send clients regular interim bills and costs updates, so that they are kept fully informed as their case progresses. This helps clients budget for their fees, especially in this difficult financial time and we can enter in to arrangements with them to pay by standing order and keep this under review as their case progresses..”

Pearson Hinchliffe is a Lexcel accredited firm, which means that all files and procedures are externally audited against defined Law Society standards and guidelines and such costs information issues are closely monitored.

“We have held the Lexcel accreditation for over 10 years now, a fact which we are very proud of, it means that these issues and correct procedures are firmly embedded in our ethos,” said Mr Prince, who acting as compliance officer is the partner with overall responsibility for quality and compliance issues at the firm.

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