MCP Solicitor's Guide to Family Costs
Legal costs for Family work can be paid on a Private Fee paying basis or through the Community Legal Services Fund (Legal Aid).
Private clients generally pay by the hour, with time split into 6 minute units.
In some circumstances, we are able to give clients the option to pay their legal costs at the conclusion of their case, with for a small interest charge, provided there is a financial settlement from which legal costs can be recovered.
We are able to offer private clients competitive and flexible funding arrangements, tailored to suit individual needs where appropriate.
What extra benefits do private clients receive?
Private clients can expect to receive an excellent service including, not only an experienced Family lawyer, but also:
- Out-of-hours phone line
- Flexible appointment times
- Premium service
We have now put together a Divorce Plan which includes Fixed Fees for all steps from taking your initial instructions through to the pronouncement of a Decree Absolute in divorce cases, the Decree in Judicial Separation or Final Order in Civil Partnerships.
HOW MUCH YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY
The fees are as follows:-
- Our Fees inclusive of VAT £600.00
- Court fee on filing the Divorce Petition £340.00
- Court fee on Decree Absolute £ 45.00
Total: £985.00
Other than the fees listed above, it may be necessary to obtain a copy of your marriage certificate. You can obtain this yourself. We will charge £12.00 plus VAT plus copy fee of £9.00
You have to swear your Affidavit in Support of your Divorce Petition which is usually cost £7.00
Our Fixed Fee Payment Plan covers an initial interview, the preparation of your Divorce Petition, the issue of the Divorce Petition in the Court and then all steps that are required to obtain a Decree Absolute of Divorce.
Unfortunately, there are occasions when matters are not straight forward we must reserve the right to increase the costs if extra work becomes inevitable. For instance:
(a) your husband/wife defends the Divorce Proceedings or seeks to cross petition and in the event that this should happen, you will be notified before any additional costs are incurred. The likely increase in fees would be detailed for you in order that you can decide how you wish to continue.
(b) Your husband/wife or civil partner refuses to return the Acknowledgement of Service which confirms to the Court that they have received the Divorce papers. Altertative methods of service have to be considered with additional charges. This would be agreed with you before fees are increased.
WORK NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR PAYMENT PLAN
1. The fee for obtaining a certified copy of the Entry of your Marriage (£9.00).
2. Any work involved if your Divorce Petition becomes defended by your husband/wife or if the Divorce Petition needs amendment once it has been issued by the Court.
3. Process Server’s fees in the event that the papers have to be served personally on your husband/wife who has failed to return the Acknowledgement of Service.
4. Solicitor’s fees for swearing of the Affidavit in Support of your Petition (£5.00 - £7.00).
5. Any advice in relation to property, finances or children resulting in either a Consent Order or Proceedings before the Court.
WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF DEALING WITH PROPERTY, FINANCES AND CHILDREN?
Within all Divorce Proceedings, it is necessary to resolve the financial matters between the parties and there could be issues concerning any children. These important issues are not covered by this package.
Speak to one of our advisors and ask what is involved and likely cost. We can agree fixed fee for assisting you with these issues (in some circumstances).
For our Legal Aid Clients, the Community Legal Services (CLS) Fund provides legal help and representation to qualifying applicants, depending on their personal financial circumstances.
However, Legal Aid is not always free and recipients may be asked to make a contribution, depending on their personal financial circumstances and the outcome of the case.
