Hourly rate 

The legal process is inherently variable, with each case presenting its own set of complexities and unique challenges. As such, my billing structure is designed to accommodate this variability through an hourly billing rate. My professional fees are calculated based on the actual time dedicated to your case, encompassing a range of activities including consultations, document review, correspondence, and telephone conversations.

For transparency, my current hourly rate is £200. Routine correspondence, including every letter sent or received, incurs a charge of £20 plus VAT. Additionally, all tasks are billed in increments of six minutes, with each increment priced at £20. This applies to various tasks such as phone calls, drafting documents, and in-person meetings.

Beyond the time invested, I also consider several factors when billing, such as the intricacy of the issues at hand, the urgency of required actions, and the specialized knowledge or expertise demanded by the case. It’s important to note that there may be ancillary costs, known as disbursements, which cover court fees, expert analysis, and barrister services.

During my initial consultation, I will endeavour to provide a clear estimate of the potential charges based on your specific situation and drawing from my extensive  experience. Please be aware that this figure is an estimate; the final billing may vary depending on the actual time your case requires.

Following our initial consultation, you will be requested to make an advance payment of £500 towards anticipated costs, in addition to the applicable court fee for your case.

Fixed fees

The fixed fee is a predetermined fee for a particular legal service, set regardless of the time or effort invested. In contrast to hourly rates, which fluctuate with case duration, a fixed fee offers you predictability and transparency in legal expenses. This upfront pricing structure enables you to know the exact cost of the service you will receive.

Children law

The court procedure for Children Law applications can vary greatly from case to case depending on complexity and the issues that arise and because of this I charge for such applications on an hourly rate.

Divorce/Dissolution

I charge a fixed fee package for Divorce/ Dissolution

The package includes:

• Legal advice and support up to one and a half hours
• Preparing and submitting the divorce petition
• Preparing and submitting and additional documents
• Application for the conditional order
• Application for the final order.
• The court fee

It does not cover a contested divorce, finances and personal service. The fee does cover any third-party fees including court fees, barrister’s fees or any other fees payable to a third party. 

Legal fees: £750
Vat: £150
Court fee £593
Total: £1,493.00

Financial Orders

Clean Break Consent Order  

If there are no assets to the marriage and you are seeking a straight forward clean break. 

The package includes:

• Legal advice and support in relation to the court process up one and half hours
• Drafting the consent order or considering an order prepared by your spouse’s solicitor
• Drafting the statement of information that accompanies the consent order
• Correspondence between your spouse or their solicitor
• the Court fee

It does not cover financial disclosure, negotiating a settlement agreement and advice on any financial settlement.

In summary, the fees for a clean break consent order will be as follows:

Legal fees: £550
Vat: £110
Court fee £58
Total: £718

Financial Remedy Order

Where an agreement has been reached between you and your spouse and the matter is more complex and includes property adjustment orders, pension sharing orders and spousal maintenance.

The package includes:

• Legal advice and support in relation to the court process up one and half hours
• Drafting the consent order or considering an order prepared by your spouse’s solicitor.
• Drafting the statement of information that accompanies the consent order
• Pension sharing order and annex
• Service on the pension provider in accordance with the Family Procedure Rules.
• Correspondence between your spouse or their solicitor
• the Court fee

In summary, the fees for a financial remedy order will be as follows:

Legal fees: £1,250
Vat: £250
Court fee £58
Total: £1,558

If financial disclosure and negotiations on finances are necessary, then the work done will be on an hourly rate of £200 an hour.

Separation

Separation agreement

Where and agreement has been reached.

This package includes:

• Drafted separation agreement: A legal document tailored to your specific needs and requirements, outlining the terms and conditions of your cohabitation.

• Professional Legal Advice: You will receive expert guidance on the implications of signing the separation agreement to ensure you fully understand its legal significance.

• Communication with Partner’s Solicitors: If your partner has legal representation, the agreement will be sent to them, and any correspondence from their solicitor will be handled on your behalf.

• Contract Amendments or Objections: I will advise you on any requested changes or objections raised by your partner or their solicitors.

• Secure Storage: The original separation agreement will be safely stored for future reference and safekeeping.

In summary, the fees for a separation agreement will be as follows:

Legal fees: £850
Vat: £170
Total: £1,020

If the agreement is particularly complicated or contains numerous assets (in excess of £1 million) the work will be done on an hourly rate of £200 an hour.

Cohabitation agreement

Where and agreement has been reached.

The package is the same as the separation agreement.

In summary, the fees for a cohabitation agreement will be as follows:

Legal fees: £850
Vat: £170
Total: £1,020

If the agreement is particularly complicated or contains numerous assets (in excess of £1 million) the work will be done on an hourly rate of £200 an hour.