Ed

NB nothing in this post is in respect of anyone on here.

Some time ago I started preparing some wills for a client and wife, personal friends. I then discoverd that their affairs were actually rather more complicated and that an IHT saving will was neded, so I drafted a revised will that inlcuded discretionary trusts.

I originally sent an estimate of £150 for both. Now, the costs rules are that as soon as I become aware that the bill will be higher I have to notify clients. In this case I didn't, don't know why - probably forgot.

Anyways, when it finished I sent an invoice for £300 for everything. I would normally charge £350 for a discretionary trust will. The £300 included the original, simpler drafts.

Client has cut up rough and challenged me. His rather blunt letter says that there was nothing complex about the wills and that they don't contain anything like a discretionary trust. Which made me wonder whether he had listened to a word I said or actually read the will before he signed it...

So. Admitted, I didn't send a revised estimate but I did do a lot more work of which he has had the benefit. Should I issue a credit note and a reduced invoice, or insist on payment of the £300 one? Bear in mind the personal friend aspect. Should I be offended? Is friend out of order? Should I accept that it's my fault cos I didn't follow the costs rules?

Please say it as you think, please be candid.

Ed