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General information only — not legal advice. Published by Edward & Amaury Solicitors, solicitors regulated by the SRA (no. 800525). How that affects what you read.

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Financial Ombudsman Time Limits and Mis-selling Complaints

England & WalesLast reviewed 18 September 2026

You normally complain to the firm first, and can take it to the Financial Ombudsman Service if you are unhappy with the final response. The Ombudsman generally cannot look at a complaint referred more than six months after that final response, or more than six years after the event unless it is within three years of when you knew, or should have known, you had cause to complain.

The Time Limits

Direct Answer: The Ombudsman generally cannot consider a complaint referred more than six months after the firm's final response, or more than six years after the event complained of unless within three years of when you became, or should reasonably have become, aware of cause to complain.

The six-month limit is the one most often missed, so note the date on the firm's final response letter. The six-year and three-year limits work together: the later of the two dates that applies to your case generally counts.

Exceptions

The Ombudsman can consider a complaint outside the six-month limit if you missed it because of exceptional circumstances, and will expect evidence that those circumstances caused the delay. Rules for some products are different, so check the Ombudsman's guidance on your product.

Ombudsman or Court?

Using the Ombudsman is free for the consumer and does not need a solicitor, and it can be quicker than court. A court claim has its own limitation period and different costs risks, so if the sums are large or the Ombudsman's limits are a problem, take advice on both routes before choosing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service?

Generally six months from the firm's final response, and within six years of the event or three years of when you knew, or should have known, you had cause to complain.

Do I have to complain to the firm first?

Yes. You normally give the firm the chance to respond before referring the complaint to the Ombudsman.

Can the Ombudsman look at an old complaint?

Sometimes. If it is over six years since the event, it may still be considered if you complain within three years of becoming aware of cause to complain.

What if I missed the six-month deadline?

The Ombudsman may consider it if exceptional circumstances caused the delay, with supporting evidence.

Does it cost anything to use the Ombudsman?

It is free for consumers, and you do not need a solicitor or claims company to complain.

Can I bring a mis-selling claim on a no win no fee basis?

Often, if a solicitor thinks the claim has reasonable prospects and is worth the cost of pursuing. Under a Conditional Fee Agreement you pay no solicitor fees if the claim fails, but a success fee is deducted from your damages if it succeeds and other costs may apply, so ask for the terms in writing and how disbursements are covered.

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Fee Disputes and Complaints

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What If I Lose?

What happens if a claim fails

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What Is No Win No Fee?

How CFAs work in England and Wales

Read more

Where this applies: This page covers England and Wales. The rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland are different.

Sources for this page

Every rule stated above is based on the primary sources below. Each link goes to the legislation, court rule or regulator itself so you can check it. Last verified 18 September 2026.

  1. Financial Ombudsman Service — Time limits

    The Ombudsman generally cannot consider a complaint referred more than six months after the firm's final response, or more than six years after the event unless within three years of when the consumer knew or should have known they had cause to complain; exceptional circumstances can extend the deadlines.

  2. Courts and Legal Services Act 1990, s.58 (conditional fee agreements)

    The provision that makes CFAs lawful and enforceable. CFAs derive from this section, not from LASPO.

  3. Conditional Fee Agreements Order 2013, arts. 4–5 · in force from 1 April 2013

    Art. 4 caps the success fee at 100% of base costs. Art. 5 caps what may be taken from damages in personal injury at 25% of PSLA plus past pecuniary loss, net of CRU, at first instance.

  4. Civil Procedure Rules, Part 44 (incl. rr.44.13–44.17, QOCS)

    Qualified one-way costs shifting and its exceptions. Rule 44.14 was amended with effect from 6 April 2023.

Who wrote and checked this page

Written and published by
Edward & Amaury Solicitors (Edward & Amaury Ltd, company no. 12195443), regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under no. 800525.
Legal review
This page has not yet been through independent legal review. It is written from the primary sources listed below, which you can check directly.
Review dates
Last reviewed 18 September 2026. Next review due 18 March 2027.

Fee rules change. California’s medical malpractice fee limits changed on 1 January 2023, and the QOCS rules in England and Wales changed on 6 April 2023. If you spot something out of date, tell us — we publish corrections.

Think you have a claim? Find out for free.

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Where this applies: This page covers England and Wales. The rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland are different.

Sources for this page

Every rule stated above is based on the primary sources below. Each link goes to the legislation, court rule or regulator itself so you can check it. Last verified 2 August 2026.

  1. Courts and Legal Services Act 1990, s.58 (conditional fee agreements)

    The provision that makes CFAs lawful and enforceable. CFAs derive from this section, not from LASPO.

  2. Conditional Fee Agreements Order 2013, arts. 4–5 · in force from 1 April 2013

    Art. 4 caps the success fee at 100% of base costs. Art. 5 caps what may be taken from damages in personal injury at 25% of PSLA plus past pecuniary loss, net of CRU, at first instance.

  3. Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, ss.44–46 · in force from 1 April 2013

    Ended recoverability of success fees and ATE premiums from the losing party. Did not create or regulate CFAs.

  4. Civil Procedure Rules, Part 44 (incl. rr.44.13–44.17, QOCS)

    Qualified one-way costs shifting and its exceptions. Rule 44.14 was amended with effect from 6 April 2023.

Who wrote and checked this page

Written and published by
Edward & Amaury Solicitors (Edward & Amaury Ltd, company no. 12195443), regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under no. 800525.
Legal review
This page has not yet been through independent legal review. It is written from the primary sources listed below, which you can check directly.
Review dates
Last reviewed 2 August 2026. Next review due 2 February 2027.

Fee rules change. California’s medical malpractice fee limits changed on 1 January 2023, and the QOCS rules in England and Wales changed on 6 April 2023. If you spot something out of date, tell us — we publish corrections.