Family Law Fees
Costs Generally
The costs for our services depend on the work and advice required – some matters are straightforward, while others can be complex and lengthy. We have categorised each type of work into different sections below and will provide you with the best fee estimate based on the specifics of your case, when we first talk to you.
Chilcotts Law does not have a legal aid franchise, so we are unable to undertake any work on a legal aid basis.
We currently charge an hourly rate typically ranging from £260 to £300 plus VAT, charged at the prevailing rate, currently 20% (Total £312 to £360 including VAT).
VAT
Where VAT is said to apply it will be charged at the prevailing rate at the time, which is currently 20%.
Divorce costs
Our estimated costs for acting for the Applicant (starting the divorce) in connection with a straightforward divorce matter would be between £500 - £600 plus VAT.
Our estimated costs for acting for the Respondent (receiving the divorce papers) in connection with a straightforward divorce matter would be between £300 - £400 plus VAT
Children matters
Prior to the issue of court proceedings, our estimated fees would be between £500 - £1,000 plus VAT depending on the work that is required.
Once proceedings are issued, costs are estimated to be between £2,000 - £5,000 plus VAT if the matter is concluded in the early stages of proceedings.
If the court proceedings are protracted, the costs can increase from £5,000 - £20,000 plus VAT.
Financial matters
With regard to financial matters, our fees for acting in connection with a straightforward financial agreement / separation agreement would range from £700 - £1,000 plus VAT. Slightly more complex agreements with various changes and variations would see fees being increased to £1,500 to £3,000 plus VAT prior to the issue of court proceedings.
If court proceedings are necessary, the costs can increase from £3,000 - £20,000 plus VAT
Disbursements
Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties such as court fees, printing, copying and travel costs. We handle the payment of disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. VAT will be charged on disbursements (such as third party printing, copying, postage).
Court fees in connection with divorce costs are £593. Court fees for a children matter are approximately £255. Court fees for a financial order other than by consent is £303 and court fees for a financial order by consent is £58. VAT is not charged in connection with court fees.
Barrister’s fees are typically between £300 - £1,000 plus VAT for a directions hearing (initial hearing when proceedings are first issued). These then increase to £1,500 - £3,500 plus VAT for each day for a final hearing. The amount of days each case takes can vary depending on the complexity of the case.
Other disbursements include expert’s reports such as a pension report which can cost between £750 - £2,000 plus VAT, surveyor’s valuations which can range from £300 - £1,000 plus VAT and specialist medical reports that can range from £3,000 - £5,000 plus VAT.
Timescales
The time that it takes from taking your initial instructions to the final resolution of your matter depends on the stage at which our case is resolved.
A divorce will take approximately 6 – 8 months. Children matters can be resolved in anything from a matter of days to over a year. Financial matters are usually resolved in 3 – 12 months.
Additional information
It would not normally be necessary to undertake other work or incur other costs other than those described above. However, we would be very happy to provide you with a more tailored quote for all stages of your particular case once we know about your specific circumstances.