Our Costs
Public Funding
At Hamptons Law firm we carry out work funded by the government’s Legal Aid Agency. Public funding is a system of government funding, administered by the Legal Aid Agency, for those who are unable to afford to pay for legal advice and representation. Franchises are granted by the Legal Aid Agency to firms practising in specific areas of law, and they are an endorsement of our quality system, client commitment and legal skills in those areas.
The areas of work where Public Funding is available in our firm include Housing and Debt and Family Law matters.
Public Funding is means-tested to determine your eligibility for financial assistance based on your income and capital. It is also merits-tested. Our staff will carry out an eligibility assessment during the initial meeting to determine whether you qualify for legal aid.
Please note that we do not charge you any fees to carry out these assessments.
It is also important to note that it is possible that you may have to make a capital contribution (this is based on the value of your house and/or savings) upfront or a monthly contribution (this is based on your disposable income) whilst the case is on-going.
Also, if you are awarded money or property, you may have to pay back some of the legal aid. In such cases the Legal Aid Agency will make a claim known as a statutory charge.
If legal aid is withdrawn, you may also have to repay the full costs.
If you have any questions regarding Public Funding, please do contact us and we will be happy to assist you.
Private Funding
In all the privately funded cases, we aim to offer fair prices. If you are consulting us about Court proceedings, we can offer you several fixed fee packages.
Hamptons Law Firm Limited operates a fair, reasonable and transparent pricing policy.
Please note that we cannot discount Court fees or other disbursements and Barrister’s fees.
We offer a one-off consultation with one of our expert lawyers in all areas. During the consultation we will explain the funding options for your case and provide some general procedural advice on your case.
Our consultation fee is £150 for all privately funded matters.
If you require full legal representation, we can either provide a service based on our fixed fees rates, or for complicated matters, or on your personal preference, we can offer our hourly rates-based services.
1. Hourly Rates Fees
Our hourly rates are charged by the lawyer representing you and is based on the lawyers’ level of experience.
All hourly rates are broken down into 6-minute units.
We will ensure that an estimate of our fees is provided to you in clear terms at the earliest possible occasion.
Our hourly rates guidelines are as follows:
- For solicitors over 8 years post qualification experience, the rates are £300.00 per hour.
- For Solicitors over 4 years post qualified experience £200.00 per hour.
- For Solicitors or legal executives with less than 4 years post qualification experience and other experienced caseworkers; £150.00 per hour.
- For Trainee Solicitors/junior caseworkers £100.00 per hour.
As a standard practice we ask for at least £500.00 on account of costs at the beginning of any hourly rate funded case as well as the arrangement of a standing order for £200 monthly. Subsequently you will be billed on a regular basis of no more than every 3 months. If you overpay us, the funds will be repaid to you at the end of your case. Also, you will be expected to pay any additional sum owing within 28 days of receipt of your bill.
All balances owing to us must be cleared in advance of your attendance at any Court hearing.
We will also need to have sufficient funds on account in advance of any Court hearing to meet our costs and the Barrister’s costs in representing you.
Do not hesitate to contact us for more information.
2. Fixed Fee Services for Privately funded Family Cases
Please see below a breakdown of our fixed fees for all family cases are set out below as follows:
Divorce Matter
Our fees for representing a Petitioner in an undefended divorce proceeding is £520
Our fees for representing a Respondent in an undefended divorce matter is £430
The court fee to issue Divorce petition is £593
Note that the Petitioner could request that the Respondent bears their costs.
Matrimonial Finance Matters
Our fees for the preparation of a Court Application. This will also include initial advice and preparation of all documentation required by the Court £750.
Drafting Financial Statement and Consent order £400.
Representation at initial hearing £450
Further representation at directions hearing £550
Representation at the Financial Dispute Resolution Hearing £750
Please note that it may be preferable to you to instruct a barrister for contested hearings and their fees are chargeable separately from ours.
Preparation of one witness statement and collation of Exhibits £450
Preparation of Trial Bundles £400
Attending a conference with a Barrister under 2 hours £250
Attending court with a Barrister for up to 1 day £750
Preparing Brief to Barrister £250
Instructing an Expert £250
Children Matters
Our fees for advising on children matters, drafting initial correspondence with the opponent, negotiating contact agreement is £500
Our fees for drafting Contact agreements £400
Please note that should the matter require us to issue proceedings, other fees would become chargeable.
For a Respondent who has received a Child Arrangements application and who requires us to negotiate contact with the opponent, our fees are £500.
Please note that if an agreement is not reached and the matter proceeds to contested hearings, other fees would become chargeable.
Our fees for preparing Child Arrangements application, is £450.
Court fee to issue Child Arrangements application is £255. You may be able to get help paying court fees if you’re on benefits or a low income.
Our fees for representing you at the initial court hearing is £450
Further representation £550
Preparation of one witness statement and collation of Exhibits £450
Please note that you may prefer to instruct a barrister for contested hearings and their fees are chargeable separately from ours.
Preparation of Trial Bundles £400
Attending a conference with a Barrister under 2 hours £250
Attending court with a Barrister for up to 1 day £650
Domestic Violence Matters
Legal aid is available to most victims of domestic abuse who have a low income. Those with more financial resources are expected to contribute to the legal costs.
If you are not eligible for legal aid and are a Respondent, you will be expected to pay privately.
Other Family Matters
Separation Agreement. £650
Change of name £75
Statutory Declarations £75
Please note that these fees are a guide only and are subject to review. We shall keep you updated about any changes to our fees throughout your case.
If you need help, contact [email protected] or call 020 3565 0074.