This woman fought the law – and won

1:45pm Saturday 24th May 2008

FACED with a massive legal bill, most people would grit their teeth and pay out.

But when Lucille Turner got the invoice for her divorce, she decided to fight back.

The £13,000 bill was three times the estimate she had been given.

So she went to the Supreme Court in London, represented herself, and won a £6,578 payout from Ellis Jones solicitors in Bournemouth.

"It finally gave closure to a long struggle," said Ms Turner, 42, from Southbourne, a writer.

"In giving an estimate you are setting a figure of expectation for a customer."

The divorce proceedings on her 20-year marriage began in 2005 but a financial settlement was only reached in 2007. Ms Turner believes the divorce system is inclined towards driving up bills and is campaigning for a cap on costs.

She has set up a website, and has written a book on her experiences.

The breakdown of Ms Turner's bill showed she was charged for 26 letters costing £18.50 each - not including charges for thinking and dictating time - because legal protocol meant she was not allowed to speak directly to her barrister.

She said: "I was also charged 18 minutes for vague services entitled finalising matters" which added £148."

She said the two sets of solicitors had also had costly arguments about points that wouldn't affect the eventual settlement.

Ellis Jones said there were "two sides to every story" but it could not discuss the case without Ms Turner's permission.

Sean McNally, head of the Family department, said: "We are a long-established and well-respected law firm which prides itself on the high quality of service provided.

"On the very rare occasions when disputes arise we work hard to try and achieve an amicable settlement. It is a matter of regret that this was not possible in this case."