Additional Solicitor Fees

[Pam]

Good Morning All,

I bought an apartment and closed last October. The solicitor sent me a bill of costs and I paid in full on the day of closing. Yesterday I got a letter to say that they had quoted me the incorrect fee for the land registry fees and I owe them another €250. They have requested payment as soon as possible. This seems a little unfair, as it's over 3 months since I closed and I already paid any fees they requested.

Can the solicitor request additional fees? And will I have to pay?

Can anyone shed some light on the situation or know anyone who had the same problem?

Thanks,
Pam

 

[MOB]

Most solicitors will draw a clear distinction between fees and outlays. Outlay is money the solicitor has to spend on your behalf, and is always charged on an "as incurred" basis. Land Registry fees fall into this category.

It may help to give you some perspective if I say that if the solicitor had mistakenly taken €250.00 too much in respect of outlay, he would have to refund it to you. If he didn't and it was seen on a Law Society Audit, he would get a firm rap on the knuckles.

So, while you are right to be mildly irritated, I think you should pay up.