I started out with a really good lawyer who seemed to understand me and my situation and she gave knowledgeable advice and seemed to want to help me get through the process as cheaply as possible eg. Where a phone call would be more appropriate and cheaper than a chain of emails.
As my case was simple and clear cut, I was transferred to another lawyer whose hourly rate was cheaper. It sounded good and sensible to me.
The new lawyer didn’t seem to understand me or my situation. She never spoke with me and only communicated by email. She asked me questions that I had already done through with the previous lawyer. I was charged every time. I had to repeat myself so many times going over things that had already been discussed and said. She proceeded to give me the same advice as the previous lawyer. Again, I was charged. She made mistakes in paperwork and correspondence for which I was being charged to point out and being charged to have the amended version sent to me. I had to chase a couple of times to find out what was going on with my case. I basically felt like I was being fleeced and started to worry about communicating with my lawyer due to the cost of doing so.
If I had done my divorce myself, it would have cost me £100’s, instead it cost me £1000’s. Whilst I was prepared for this, and appreciated someone taking the burden of the whole process for me, I felt that I could have saved at least £1000 if my lawyer had been more efficient and more accurate.
I expected my lawyer to be personable, supportive, efficient and looking out for my best interests, both legal and financial. I sadly didn’t get that!
