Verified Company
My experience with F Barnes Solicitors was extremely unprofessional and frankly shocking.
Approximately 10 days ago I contacted the firm regarding notarising a Power of Attorney. During that conversation, Mrs Tatum quoted £80 plus VAT
for witnessing and notarising the document. Based on that clear quote, I proceeded to obtain and prepare the Power of Attorney so it could be completed.
When I contacted her again to arrange the appointment, the price had suddenly changed to £250 + VAT — more than three times the original quote. When I politely questioned the discrepancy, I was told she had no notes of the conversation and that I must have been asking about an affidavit, which is simply incorrect.
What followed was even worse. Rather than addressing the issue professionally, the responses became sarcastic, dismissive and unnecessarily hostile. Instead of resolving the matter or acknowledging the confusion, Mrs Tatum ultimately stated she was refusing to handle the notarisation altogether and told me to find another notary.
This behaviour is unacceptable for a professional legal service. Clients rely on clear communication and accurate quotations, particularly when dealing with legal documentation. Being misquoted, spoken to disrespectfully, and then refused service after the fact is not just frustrating — it shows a complete lack of professionalism.
This notarisation was the final step in an ongoing legal process, and the last-minute refusal has now caused avoidable delays and unnecessary disruption.
Professional legal services should operate with clear communication, accountability, and basic courtesy toward clients. Unfortunately, that was not my experience here.
If you are considering using this firm for legal services, I strongly recommend getting everything confirmed in writing beforehand, because based on my experience, verbal quotes and professional courtesy appear to carry very little weight here. Based on this interaction, I cannot recommend F Barnes Solicitors at all.
Reply from F Barnes Solicitors
Good afternoon,
We are sorry you feel the need to leave this review. Sangeet Tatum is an experienced Notary Public and has set fees for her services as would any Notary Public. Sangeet charges £80 plus vat fee to notarise an affidavit. Her fee for the service you required is £250 plus vat, it is always the same. We are sorry but there appears to have been miscommunication here. Whilst we value and welcome all enquiries for notarisation, we do have set fees that we are bound by. Sangeet did try to explain the costs to you but unfortunately we were unable to move forward on this occasion. If you wish to take this matter any further you may do so by contacting our complaints officer.
We are sorry you feel the need to leave this review. Sangeet Tatum is an experienced Notary Public and has set fees for her services as would any Notary Public. Sangeet charges £80 plus vat fee to notarise an affidavit. Her fee for the service you required is £250 plus vat, it is always the same. We are sorry but there appears to have been miscommunication here. Whilst we value and welcome all enquiries for notarisation, we do have set fees that we are bound by. Sangeet did try to explain the costs to you but unfortunately we were unable to move forward on this occasion. If you wish to take this matter any further you may do so by contacting our complaints officer.
