Cyprus Bar Association Swamped With Complaints

Expats in Cyprus have been filing up to 50 complaints per month to the Cyprus bar association

London, UK (Pryce Warner International) August 4th, 2011 – British Expats have been filing numerous complaints against Paphos based property lawyers to the Advocates disciplinary board.

Expats are alleging that corrupt lawyers and developers have been negligent when carrying out property transactions, often leaving vulnerable Expats strapped for cash.

The amount of applications for complaints has become so large that it is creating a huge backlog that will take months and months just to process. One lawyer accused has even managed to attract 25 complaints in two years without a single judgment against her.

The deluge of applications began after a British couple won a court case against a property lawyer, the first where one lawyer in Cyprus was willing to represent clients against another lawyer. This then created a precedent where many Expats who previously could not build a case are now willing to try again.

Due to the sheer volume of complaints the seven-man disciplinary board is struggling to process all the applications. Present estimates suggest that many will have to wait several months to hear about their claim regardless of the scale of their lawyers wrongdoing.

It is said to be indicative of widespeard problems in Cypriot property developments that something like this could occur. With relatively few lawyers willing to take action in court against another lawyer, Expats often find themselves left hung out to dry by unscrupulous developers.

In one instance a British Expat had to dismiss his property lawyer after he realised she was the sister of the developer. After taking his money and stalling the construction of the house she has yet been brought to justice by a legal system unwilling to hold its members to account.

Further delays in processing applications are being caused by the fact that the accussed lawyers must submit their comments on any claim against them. This means it is relatively easy for lawyers to stall the process by simply not responding to the claim.

Though this in theory means that prosecutors can proceed directly to a trial, in practice this is rare. Some lawyers are well aware of how to further delay the process, and it is claimed many do so in an attempt to wear down the patience and finances of those seeking justice.

David Harra, a Senior Market & Investment Analyst with Pryce Warner International, a financial services provider for Expats, commented: “Whenever buying property overseas it is always vital to exercise caution as the housing controversy in Spain and now Cyprus has shown. Navigating a foreign system for building and purchasing property can often be highly difficult. Hopefully now that consumers are more aware of their ability to take unscrupulous lawyers to court Expats will be able to reclaim any of the finances that they have lost. Anyone considering buying or selling property overseas should always consult independent financial advisors first to ensure that can feel safe when planning to re-settle abroad.”

Pryce Warner International Group provide International Asset & Investment Management, Independent Financial Advice & QROPS Overseas Pensions.

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By: Aneil Fatania
Financial Editor
Pryce Warner International Group
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