The Legal Services Commission (LSC) handles complaints about solicitors. LSC complaints are either consumer disputes or conduct complaints.
It depends on the solicitor. Some offer a free first consultation so you can explain the issue, and you can both decide if you want to work together. You should always ask before your first meeting whether it will be free or not.
It depends on the solicitor. Some charge an hourly rate, some charge a flat fee. Your solicitor has to provide you with a costs disclosure if the amount will be more than $1500.
Find out more about solicitor fees
Find out more about solicitor fees
You are paying for the solicitor's time and expertise, as well as any fees they may have to pay while working on your case, such as filing fees.
You can change solicitors. Make sure you inform your current solicitor that you no longer wish to work with them, so they can stop working on your case and you won't be charged for any unnecessary work. Once you have paid for all the work they have completed, you can work with another solicitor.
It's best to ask them what they need from you, but in general, you should bring all documents and other items (eg photos) that relate to your issue.