It’s not just the post office going through civil and government scandals !!  

My tale unfolds in the legal labyrinth, a drama of court battles and untold stories. From abuse injunctions to the bitter cold of divorce, my vulnerability became a narrative. I trusted a solicitor to act in my defense, only to be thrust back with an immense bill. In the courtroom's spotlight. 

…………. 

The SRA insists on a pattern of dishonesty for a claim to be considered. However, they show little interest in individual complaints unless they gain "public opinion." Despite their claim to investigate all cases of dishonesty, integrity, and discrimination, this is not always true.

In 2018, I faced domestic violence, leading to an injunction and divorce. During the initial consultation with a solicitor from Southport, I was advised, without evidence of assets, that my ex-husband would cover all legal bills. Instead of suggesting legal aid, I was pushed to go private for protection.

The emergency hearing for the injunction lacked cost explanation, and no client care letter was provided. As a carer for children, including one with disabilities, I heavily relied on my ex-husband, the sole breadwinner.

Post-divorce, I received a sudden £82,000 statement for the divorce bill, including payments for the injunction. Lack of statements throughout the proceedings left me unaware of charges and payments. The solicitors maintain a lien on my files, refusing to provide a ledger.

A solicitor later pressured me to take a litigant loan, demanding a same-day signature with another solicitor present. Seeking advice elsewhere revealed potential financial pitfalls, including high interest, secured home, and additional demands.

Despite multiple requests, the divorce solicitor never provided a bill breakdown. Complaints were ignored, leading me to express intentions to go to the legal ombudsman. In response, I was sued before having a chance to proceed.

The solicitors failed to follow the legal services act, avoiding proper complaints procedures. They included an injunction statement in the lawsuit, despite evidence of it being settled in 2019. A third-party debt order against my ex-husband was executed without my knowledge.

Feeling victimized, I've been in court proceedings since 2018, with escalating costs and forced to act as a litigant in person. The system, supposed to protect, turned destructive post-domestic violence. Misled about legal aid, I face financial burden while the solicitors, defended by senior lawyers, remain unaccountable.

Despite a complaint to the SRA, they claim it's not of public interest. I urge for government reform, especially when claims of dishonesty involve a legal firm holding a lien on files. Civil and family law protection with legal aid is essential for vulnerable victims, especially those facing domestic violence. Urgent reform of the SRA and legal ombudsman is crucial to restore confidence in the legal system. Your support in changing this situation is greatly needed.

In Preston alone, countless individuals face similar struggles every year due to these unscrupulous practices (source: local legal aid statistics). The government must act now to reform these unethical practices and protect vulnerable individuals from unexpected bills and coercive loan schemes.

We need your voice! Sign this petition today and demand justice for victims of unethical solicitor practices in civil courts across Preston and beyond.