Complaints procedure

If you are dissatisfied with the service I have provided then you have the right to complain. The Legal Ombudsman service has been operational since October 6th, 2010 and is ultimately responsible for ensuring that complaints are dealt with appropriately.

However, before you contact the Legal Ombudsman you must first register an official complaint with me. Normally, the Legal Ombudsman expects you to give me 8 weeks to try to resolve the matter. If after 8 weeks you are still dissatisfied you can then involve  the  Legal Ombudsman. For more information on how the Legal Ombudsman works please visit the Legal Ombudsman website  or download the Legal Ombudsman Guide to Making a Complaint (PDF).

Timescales:

In normal circumstances you are required to register a complaint within one year.  You must then give me 8 weeks to try to resolve your complaint before contacting the Legal Ombudsman. A complaint to the Legal Ombudsman must normally be made within six months of the date of the conclusion of the Firm's complaints procedure. In summary:

    - You must register your complaint with me within one year

    - The Legal Ombudsman expects you to give me 8 weeks to try to resolve your complaint

    - After this time, you can contact the Legal Ombudsman (but you must do so within 6 months)

Getting Started

To register a formal complaint please write to:

Martin T Smith
The Old Coach House
Old Road
Linslade
Leighton Buzzard
LU7 2RB

Martin T Smith Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) No. 59553 in respect of legal matters and the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury in respect of Notarial matters.