Should I be charged without signing an agreement

[baraqua]

I have recently attended a free consultation with a Family Law Solicitor in reference to starting my divorce. I provided details to the Solicitor and proof of my identity and home address etc. and the reasons for divorce, and what I required from them. It was explained by the Solicitor their fees for the divorce etc. At this point I was finalising the financial part of the divorce and informed the Sol that I would make contact to inform them that I wished them to start the proceedings.At this point I had not signed any agreement in relation to charges or terms. I was astonished to find out that I had been billed for phoning the Sol in order to start the divorce prior to me entering into any agreement or even receiving any paperwork outlinging same from this firm. Is this common practice or should I have at least entered entered into a signed financial contract with them.

[Eve]

You don't enter into a contract as such (well not in the written signed form you are probably thinking of).

You should, however, have received a letter setting out all charges or the basis of charging (eg by time on a chargeout rate for whoever is doing the work).

So you had your free consultation, I assume that the telephone call after to initiate proceedings was separate to this and not covered by the free consultation?

If you have agreed to pay them for work done, what is your issue with being charged for this part of the work they did?

How long was the phonecall and what did they charge for it?

[baraqua]

Jenna, I am not sure but due to a hitch in negotiating the finances I have delayed the start in proceedings and informed the Sol of this point. I have not signed a form of acceptance in relation to their terms and I am now uneasy about using this firm. Unfortunately divorce is usually a one-off event in life and I feel a bit naive in this matter and dont know the best way to approach it. If I make further contact to enquire about the bill will I be further charged for the privilege. Dont know the best way to proceed. Thanks for the answer by the way