Charging Fees to Transfer File
The labour involved in going through the file or preparing it for transfer should be minimal. In most circumstances, there should be no charge to the client to transfer the file.
In unusual circumstances that involve substantial labour, there may be charges to the client. If so, the lawyer or limited licensee should notify you, or your new lawyer or limited licensee, of the potential costs and discuss them before doing the work and charging for it.
The lawyer or limited licensee may wish (and is entitled) to keep copies of documents to defend against a future negligence claim or a complaint. However, this is at their expense.
If you do not agree with the charges to transfer your file and have a new lawyer or limited licensee, request that they negotiate the transfer of your file. If you do not have a new lawyer or limited licensee, we suggest you contact the lawyer or limited licensee. Click “Discuss with Lawyer or Limited Licensee” below to see more about this option, what to do next, and a sample letter you can use.