Divorce

We can help you deal with the full process of divorce from beginning to end and provide you with a full service or we can limit our work to obtaining the divorce only, without consideration of financial matters or other related issues. Divorces has recently been simplified by new legislation. Now, when you apply for a divorce it is on a ‘no fault’ basis. This was brought in on 6 April 2022 to remove animosity from divorces. The divorce is usually straightforward; the more challenging part is in relation to financial issues which generally run alongside the divorce.

If you instruct us to complete the divorce only, the charges will be based on a fixed fee. That fixed fee is £600 plus VAT. In addition, there is a court fee payable of £593. A typical divorce takes around six months to conclude. If however we also undertake financial matters, the charges will be based upon an hourly rate. We can tailor the level of extensive work that we undertake to suit your requirements and needs of the case

When parties separate, they are now entitled to apply for a divorce on a no-fault basis. The cost of the application if undertaken by the firm varies between basic fee of £500 plus VAT and £600 plus VAT. In addition there is a court fee payable of £593 for the divorce process.

If we undertake work for you in relation to financial matters then these will be charged on an hourly basis based upon the number of hours that we anticipate will be undertaken. Technically typically this will range between 10 and 25 hours and the hourly rate will range from between £180-£225 plus VAT depending upon the fee earner who is involved in your work.

The exact cost will depend on the individual circumstances of each case. For example if there are children to consider and/or property to consider, then depending upon the extent of the assets of the marriage will depend upon the number of matters that may need investigation and determining. In addition if the parties have pensions these will be a relevant factor in determining the outcome of the case. In the course of our work we will endeavour to settle the claim for financial relief and try and keep your costs to a reasonable minimum but it will be appreciated this will depend upon the attitude and conduct of the other party to the proceedings.

Louise Blackwell – Chartered Legal Executive & Head of Department £225.00 plus VAT

Billie Metcalfe – Trainee Solicitors (under 4 years qualified) £200.00 plus VAT

Rachael Stafford – Paralegal £180.00 plus VAT

Ellie Steane – Paralegal £180.00 plus VAT

We estimate that the average costs of resolving financial matters in a standard case will between £2,000 to £4,000 plus VAT plus court fees of blank on the issue of an application for financial relief.

It may also be necessary to incur further disbursements including the costs of valuation of property or other assets and these will depend on a case-by-case basis upon the name of the valuer the value of the property and their estimate of values. An estimate of the costs of these reports can be obtained before these experts are instructed.

We can also assist in acting in private children cases. This will involve both representation before the court preparation of applications to the court advice in the jurisdiction to settlement.

You would be charged on an hourly basis and the rates of the fee earners stated above.

We will try in every way possible to obtain legal aid public funding to your case.

If public funding is not available we will charge you at an hourly rate based on the number of hours involved in the case at the rate stated above for each individual fee earner. Typically a non-molestation order will cost in the region between £800 and £1500. This may vary depending upon the number of times of the applications has to be heard by the court and the length of time it is taken at a court hearing.

We shall advise you as and where appropriate of any increase in cost which is likely to occur because of the number of hearings or the issues that have been raised by your opponent. This also will lead to a variation in the number of hours of work to be undertaken in making such applications.