How Long Do You Have To Make A Complaint To A Solicitor

[buffymad]

I bought my house nearly 19 years ago. Purchase went through fine, no problems. It's only come to light now that I'm in the process of selling the house that the garden wasn't registered with the LR and I'm having all sorts of problems (too many to explain) which is causing untold time delays and extra cost for me. I've been told this is something the original solicitor should have picked up when I bought the house, but nothing was ever mentioned at all. I wanted to write to the solicitors now and set out what's happened. I don't really know what I want from them or expect of them - but maybe it's just to make me feel better that I've actually complained about something they should have brought to my attention way back then.

I'm guessing they might not even have the files after all this time. But should they still answer my complaint? Does anyone know what's the best way of dealing with this?

[boxtops]

first point - are the original solictors still in business?

This is where you go to complain. http://www.lawsociety.org.uk/get-in-touch/complaints/

[johnny37]

I dont think they are obliged to answer if they have not acknowledged notification in the last six years. You new solicitor should sort it out for you if there is any chance of compensation.

[gness]

Exactly the same thing happened to me Buffy. I found out when I paid off my mortgage after fifteen years.
The solicitor who was at fault had been struck off in the meantime for stealing client's money and the Law Society was worse than useless because too much time had passed.
I threw good money after bad finding that out but if your original solicitor is still around you may have more luck....x

[buffymad]

The firm is definitely still trading. Will have to find out who dealt with it and see if he's still there. Don't really want to spend any more money (enough going on the house problems!) on instructing solicitors on this. Just wondered really how to go about it. Not necessarily expecting any compensation, I just want to know how they'd explain that a solicitor in their firm didn't notice the garden wasn't registered at all!!

[themas]

It's the firm that would be liable (if there is any liability after all this time), not the individual. If it is not too late you could possibly have a claim in negligence. Ring the Law Society helpline & see what they say. There might be a time limit which they could tell you.