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Legal Fees in Family Law
Costs
We know legal fees are one of the first things on people’s minds.
The truth is that the cost of family law will depend on your situation: how complex it is, which method you use, and how straightforward things are between you and your former partner.
What we can tell you is that we will always be upfront about costs. At your initial consultation, once we understand your situation, we’ll give you an estimate of likely fees for your case. We cover this early on so there are never any nasty surprises, and we’ll keep you informed as things progress.
If cost is a concern, please do mention it. There are sometimes funding options available, and the method you choose can make a significant difference to the overall cost. We’ll help you think through what makes sense for you and do our best to make the process accessible.
Your Initial Consultation
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We offer an initial consultation of up to one and a half hours with one of our solicitors. This includes a free half-hour of time on top of our usual hourly rate, making it a cost-effective way to get professional legal advice on your situation before committing to anything further. In that first meeting, we’ll listen to your situation, answer your questions, talk through your options, and give you an estimate of what it all might cost. You’ll leave with a clearer picture of where you stand and what the next steps look like, with no obligation to proceed.
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How Our Fees Work
Beyond the initial consultation, work is charged according to time spent at your solicitor’s hourly rate. That’ll depend on which solicitor is handling your matter, but don’t worry: this will be made clear from the start and your solicitor is your decision.
In addition to solicitor fees, there are disbursements to consider. These are payments made to third parties in connection with your case, such as barristers, the court, or fees for expert reports. We’ll explain what disbursements are likely to crop up for you and include them in any estimate we give you.
And as we mentioned before, the approach you take can significantly affect the overall cost. Reaching an agreement between yourselves, or through mediation or collaborative practice, is considerably less expensive than contested court proceedings. Where possible, we’ll always try to help you find the most cost-effective and amicable route to a fair outcome.
For more information on the various approaches you can take in your journey, see our Methods page.
Legal Aid
Public funding was withdrawn from most areas of family law in 2013, which means the majority of clients will need to fund their legal fees privately. We know this can feel like a worry, which is why we’re upfront about costs from the very first meeting.
As a firm, we do not offer legal aid, but financial assistance may still be available in limited circumstances, including where there is evidence of domestic abuse or where homelessness is a risk. If you think you might be eligible, please mention it and we’ll help you understand your options.
Legal Fees
Other Funding Options
If your case goes to court, it may be possible to apply for a legal services order, which is an interim order that may require your spouse to contribute towards your legal costs. If your circumstances mean this is possible, we will let you know and assist you with this process.
Litigation loans are another option for those facing court proceedings who need help funding their legal costs. These are specialist loans secured against the likely outcome of your case. Again, we are happy to talk you through this and whether it is a good option for you.
Worried about what your case might cost? The best thing you can do is get in touch.
Every situation is different, and the only way to give you a realistic sense of fees is to hear about yours. In the first meeting, we’ll sit down over a hot cup of tea or coffee, listen to where you are, and talk you through what’s involved and what it’s likely to cost. There’s no obligation to proceed further, and no nasty surprises.
Fees are a practical matter, but we know they can feel like a barrier. Please don’t let them stop you from getting the advice you need.
