Family Law – Our Charges
At Band Hatton Button, we are always open and honest about our charges. It is important to us that you understand how costs are incurred and also about how those costs can be met. Our family law team are here to help you – and are happy to deal with the whole legal process for you, or can be involved in a part of it, as per your needs/preference.
Because every case is different, and the level of support and advice varies hugely from case to case, most solicitors work on the basis of an hourly rate, which is charged based on the work done for you on your file. At the outset of your case we will give you an indication of the costs you might incur and if that estimate changes during the course of your case, then we will revise that estimate and discuss this with you before taking any further steps.
We also currently offer the following by way of a fixed fee:
Initial Meeting
When you feel that you need advice that is tailored to your circumstances, we like to meet you and give you information and options suited to your needs. We offer an initial meeting at a fixed cost from £350 including VAT*. This meeting can be for up to an hour and a half, following which, we will write to you and set out your options, as discussed.
There is no obligation upon you to instruct us any further after this meeting. If you do need more help though, we will explain how this can be provided and at what cost.
*dependant upon lawyer
Divorce Proceedings
Providing your divorce proceedings are uncontested by your spouse, we can deal with this for you at a fixed fee. Our fixed fee starts at £495 plus VAT*. You then must pay the current Court fee on issue.
Sometimes within the divorce process, you might need to prove to the court that the other party has received the proceedings, particularly if there is a refusal to acknowledge receipt of the proceedings. We may therefore, with your agreement, instruct a process server to hand deliver a set of proceedings to your partner to enable the proceedings to continue. This will usually incur additional costs of approximately £250.
*dependant upon lawyer
Receiving Divorce Proceedings
If you are on the receiving end of a divorce petition, this can be a very worrying time. You will need to deal with the proceedings quickly and obtain professional advice and guidance. We will meet with you, and will complete the process on your behalf and will deal with reasonable communication with the other party/their solicitor and the Court.
Providing the there is no dispute in relation to any part of the divorce, we can deal with the process for you for a fixed fee of £350 inclusive of VAT.