Far above the estimate
The final bill is substantially higher and nobody warned you as costs rose.
Solicitors and legal fees
Overcharged by your solicitor? Get your bill checked.
If your legal bill came in far higher than you were told, it may be challengeable. We check the bill against what you were promised, explain the routes open to you and help you present the complaint clearly.
Fixed pricesHonest assessmentClear next steps
Is your bill challengeable?
Common signs of an unfair legal bill
Problems often show up in the gap between what you were told at the outset and what eventually appeared on the bill.
No clear costs information
You were not given rates, an estimate or a clear explanation of charging.
Different rates
The rate or fee basis does not match what you agreed.
Duplicated work
You appear to have been charged twice or for avoidable work.
Unexplained deductions
Money was taken from a settlement without a clear breakdown.
Surprise expenses
Disbursements or third-party costs appeared without warning.
How it works
From bill to next step
Start with the documents you have. We will confirm what else is needed and the timetable before work begins.
Tell us what happened
Choose a check and give us the outline of the bill and dispute.
Send the documents
We will tell you how to provide the bill, estimate and costs correspondence securely.
Get an assessment
We identify the issues, strength of the complaint, route and deadlines.
Choose what happens next
Complain yourself or ask for further complaint support.
Support options
Choose the level of check you need
The enquiry is free. We confirm scope, timing, price and any applicable VAT before you pay or work starts.
Quick Check
£99
A clear first view on whether the bill appears challengeable.
- Review against the estimate and costs information
- Key red flags in plain English
- Strength, route and deadline summary
Full Check
£250
A more detailed assessment for a larger or more complex bill.
- Everything in the Quick Check
- Detailed review of the bill and time records supplied
- Grounds of complaint and supporting evidence
- Documents to request and possible overcharge range
These are ComplaintAdvocate service prices. The Legal Ombudsman is free to use and you can complain directly.
Your options
Three possible routes
The right route depends on the facts, your eligibility and the dates. Acting promptly matters.
Complain to the firm
Start with the firm's complaints procedure and set out the outcome you want.
The firm will normally have up to eight weeks to respond.
Legal Ombudsman
A free, independent complaints route for eligible complainants.
Time limits apply, including limits linked to the firm's final response.
Court assessment
The court can assess a solicitor's bill under section 70 of the Solicitors Act 1974.
The statutory position changes after one month, payment and 12 months.
Deadline guide
Enter your dates for a simple guide. This is not legal advice and payment dates can affect the position.
- One month from bill: Enter bill date
- Twelve months from bill: Enter bill date
- Six months from final response: Enter response date
Straight talking
What we do and do not do
We will
- Give you an honest assessment
- Explain the evidence and likely route
- Help prepare a clear complaint
- Flag relevant deadlines
We will not
- Guarantee a reduction or outcome
- Pretend the Legal Ombudsman charges a fee
- Conduct court proceedings
- Start paid work without agreeing the scope
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I get my solicitor's bill reduced?
It may be possible where the bill substantially exceeded the estimate, costs were not properly explained or work appears unnecessary or duplicated. The available route depends on the facts and dates.
What if I have already paid?
You may still be able to complain to the firm or the Legal Ombudsman if you are within the relevant limits. Payment affects the court assessment route, so act promptly.
How do I send documents?
Submit the initial enquiry first. We will then explain what is needed and how to provide it securely.
Find out if your bill looks fair.
Start with a controlled enquiry. Nothing is charged at this stage.
Start a Quick Check enquiry