Family Fees
We appreciate instructing a solicitor can be a daunting process, particularly due to the uncertainty of how much it will cost. Therefore, we feel it is important to provide you with an idea of how much the average case typically costs before you decide to commit to our services.
Depending on the complexity and nature of your case, we may be able to offer fixed fees across a broad range of our services and this will be agreed with you at the outset of your case. The below figures provide an estimate of the likely costs you might expect for types of work we cover, but all fees are subject to complexity and the particular circumstances of your case. The fee estimates exclude VAT.
Please note that the fee estimates set out below are only for some of the types of family work that we undertake. We undertake a broad range of family law services. If you have a family law related problem or query that is not listed below then please contact us for a fee estimate tailored to your individual case or requirements.
Divorce
Undefended Divorce as Applicant - £600 - £800*
Undefended Divorce as Respondent - £300 - £400
*In addition to the Court fee of £593
Finances
Cohabitation Agreement – £2,000 - £4,000
Separation Agreement – £1,000 - £2,500
Pre/post nuptial Agreement - £2,000 - £4,000
Consent Order (drafting of the Order and D81 only) - £650 to £1,500*
Consent Order (with financial disclosure and negotiations) - £3,000 - £10,000*
*In addition to the court fee of £53.00
Contested Financial Remedy Proceedings
There are typically three hearings involved in a case of this nature. The First Directions Appointment (FDA), the Financial Dispute Resolution Appointment (FDR) and the Final Hearing. The below sets out a breakdown of the costs typically incurred at each stage of the process. However, this is subject to the nature and extent of assets, complexity issues, expert reports, and litigation conduct.
From initial instruction to FDA hearing - £3,000 - £6,000*
From FDA hearing to FDR hearing - £2,000 - £5,000
From FDR hearing to final hearing - £5,000 - £12,000**
*In addition to the court issue fee of £275
**A barrister will be required to represent you at a final hearing. The fee quoted does not include the barrister’s fee.
Children Act Proceedings
There are typically three hearings involved in an application for a Child Arrangements Order. The First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA), the Dispute Resolution Appointment (DRA) and Final Hearing.
Depending on the issues involved, it is sometimes necessary for a separate Fact-Finding hearing to also be listed prior to the DRA. The below sets out a breakdown of the costs typically incurred at each stage of the proceedings, subject to complexity and the issues involved. The estimates do not include cases where there is expert evidence and/or the child or children are joined to the proceedings.
These estimates do not cover urgent court applications, such as an application for the return of a child who has not been returned after a contact visit or an urgent application to prevent a parent from relocating within England and Wales or abroad.
From application to FHDRA – £2,000 - £4,000*
From FHDRA to DRA - £2,000 - £5,000**
DRA to 1 day Final Hearing - £2,000 - £5,000 plus VAT**
If a 1 day fact finding is required - £2,000 - £5,000 plus VAT**
*In addition to the court fee of £232
** We like to represent our clients in court ourselves but in some cases it is necessary to instruct a barrister to represent you. The fees quoted above include us or a barrister representing you at court.
Domestic Violence applications for Non-Molestation and/or Occupation Orders
Applications for non-molestation orders and/or occupation orders are often made on an emergency basis. This means we need to act quickly, and we may need to set aside time already allocated to other cases to deal with an application of this nature. As such, our fees will reflect that.
Applications can be made on a without notice basis (where the other person is not notified of the application in advance, and you ask the Judge to make an order without hearing their version of events the first instance) or on notice.
If you can prepare the first draft of your own witness statement this can reduce the cost.
Without notice non-molestation and/or occupation order (no court hearing) – £750 to £1,500
Without notice non-molestation and/or occupation order (one court hearing) – £1,500 to £2,250
On notice non-molestation order with the application being resolved the first court hearing - £1,500 to £2,250
Defended proceedings – the fee very much depends on the number of witnesses and the length of the final hearing. Contested applications that proceed to a final hearing at which the parties and their witnesses (if any) give evidence will typically cost between £12,000 and £25,000 including the cost of using a barrister.
Change of Name Deed
Adult - £300 plus VAT
Child - £300 plus VAT
