Coping with divorce and separation is a challenging time emotionally. Added to this, there are practical challenges to navigate, which often include uncertainty around the costs involved in getting a divorce.
Divorce costs will depend on which route is taken to resolve the issues relating to family breakdown. The most cost-effective and robust method to reach an agreement is guided negotiation with a family lawyer. Unlike many DIY negotiated divorces, this process ensures that a fair and just settlement is reached for both parties and provides legal protection in terms of any future disagreements and financial claims.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, court proceedings are the most expensive method for resolving family law issues.
We aim to always be transparent about costs from the outset, offering price points to suit a range of requirements and budgets. Our hourly fees reflect each solicitor’s level of experience and start from £210 rising to £330 per hour + VAT. Hourly rates are broken down into 6-minute units for costing purposes.
Our fixed fee initial consultation (see below) will include an outline of the potential costs applicable to your case. This will be an estimate as actual costs will be dependent on various factors including the willingness of your ex-partner and their solicitor to be reasonable, the complexity of the case and the number of any court hearings required.
If we are instructed to represent you, we will ask for an initial sum of money to be held on account. As your case develops, we will provide regular updates on costs and issue invoices as required.
Alongside traditional costings based on an hourly rate, we also offer several fixed fee options.
We offer an initial consultation of up to one hour for a fixed fee of £150 (incl. VAT). This meeting is a chance for you to understand the legal landscape relating to your personal circumstances, in terms of the options available and the potential costs for you, if you decide to instruct us.
Learn about the advantages of having an initial consultation here https://www.tisshawssolicitors.co.uk/the-benefits-of-an-initial-consultation-with-a-family-lawyer-when-divorcing/
Find helpful information on preparing for an initial meeting here https://www.tisshawssolicitors.co.uk/how-to-prepare-for-an-initial-consultation-with-a-family-solicitor/
We offer a competitive fixed fee for uncontested divorce cases for £450 + VAT (£540). This includes preparation of the Divorce Petition, the supporting documentation for the court and dealing with each step of the divorce procedure. On top of this, there is a Court Fee of £612 to pay.
If we are providing mediation services for you, the initial individual meeting that everyone intending to mediate will need to attend are £150 (incl. VAT). Thereafter, the costs are £165 per hour per person + VAT, on a pay as you go basis.
We have three family mediators Richard Adams, Hana Khodabocus and Verity Eunson-Hickey.
As an Accredited Family Mediator, Richard Adams can also conduct Mediation Information & Assessment Meetings (MIAMs), at rate of £150 (incl. VAT), along with mediations funded by the UK Government’s Family Mediation Voucher Scheme for the first £500 of joint sessions.
We always discuss with clients how their case will be funded. While we encourage clients to pay costs on a regular basis, we recognise that this may not always be possible, if for example, money is tied up in property or an ex-partner currently controls most of the financial assets in the matrimonial pot.
In this case, we can talk to you about different funding options including borrowing from a family member or taking out a personal loan, which can be repaid once the financial settlement has been resolved. There are also several specialist legal loan companies able to provide funding to those unable to meet their legal costs before the eventual settlement.
We know how difficult divorce and separation can be, so we offer an initial one hour fixed fee consultation with a fully qualified lawyer, to help you make an informed decision about how to proceed.
To book, please call 01444 472700 or complete the quick contact form.