How do I Pay?

Family law work is, by its nature, unpredictable and so we will provide you with regular costs estimates as matters develop.  We will also bill you regularly (usually monthly) and provide you with a full breakdown of the time spent on your file during that period.

Our charges will be calculated on a “time spent” basis by reference to the hourly charging rate of each member of our team.  We usually work in teams of varying seniority on each matter to ensure we are working as cost efficiently as possible.

To help keep costs to a minimum, our partners work with an associate and we have the support of secretaries and paralegals.  Our partners direct strategy and provide depth of expertise.  Our paralegals are brought in where possible to reduce the costs otherwise chargeable by the partner or the associate.  Our bills are supported by a detailed narrative of time spent and are therefore entirely transparent.  We provide robust estimates of fees upfront and are accountable to you for them.

Litigation can be expensive and so we encourage parties to use alternative dispute resolution methods where appropriate and to try and reach agreement if possible.

If you do not believe you have sufficient funds to progress your matter, we can talk to you about funding options. You should not allow concern about potential costs to discourage you from obtaining legal advice.

We have strong connections with litigation loan providers who may be able to help you if you are unable to afford to pay legal costs as they are being incurred, but will be in a position to pay off a loan once your matter has been resolved. Alternatively, it may be possible for us to apply to the court on your behalf for an order that your spouse or partner pays your legal costs.

In certain very limited circumstances you may be eligible for public funding. Our firm does not offer legal assistance pursuant to public funding (formerly known as Legal Aid) but if you think this may apply to you we would be happy to point you in the direction of someone who may be able to assist.