I asked a solicitor at Calderwood Atkinson to take on a simple probate matter. I was told that the matter would be relatively straightforward and I asked a friend who is a solicitor how much probate would normally cost and I was told to expect to pay $1800.
I went to the office and I left some documents including the will and went on my merry way. Unfortunately, I got sick and was not able to provide the solicitor any instructions about the matter. The solicitor sent me two letters requesting more information regarding the matter which I did not do as I didn't have time.
Anyway after just over a month of having my file I got fed up because they wouldn't reply to me in a timely manner (their only communication with me was via email which would take an inordinate amount of time to reply to emails) and I realized that they had basically not done an any actual work on the file because I had not supplied the further information requested.
Therefore, I asked them to cease work on the file so that I could get another solicitor to work on the file who would actually reply to me in a timely fashion and do the work that I requested.
Anyway, all up they sent me two letters (to me the client) asking for more information and I understand that they made at least two phone calls on my behalf (regarding the matter) and they did not complete the probate but they still charged me over $1000 and they will not return my paperwork including the will until I pay their fraudulent account.
So for over $1000 I received two letters to client via email asking for more information (which I did not provide)and I understand that two phone calls regarding the matter were made and for this I was charged over $1000 for this.
For perspective as I said, a simple probate matter (which this was) should only cost approximately $1800.
Beware of this firm, they are terrible and a complete scam.
I now have to pay over $1000 for two phone calls and two letters to get this vital paperwork back so that I can hire another solicitor to finish the probate which I hired them in the first place to do.
Absolutely disgusting.
Stay away from Calderwood Atkinson Solicitors in Adelaide, South Australia