I need to see a Family solicitor but I'm worried about costs
It is difficult enough to consider separating and worrying about how you are going to split your existing income stream and capital assets in a way which funds two households instead of one. Then you have to ask yourself – how am I going to afford a solicitor?
Fixed Fee meetings
At Neves, we offer initial fixed fee meetings. For an initial hour of advice, we charge £150 plus VAT. This hour gives us plenty of time to talk through the divorce process (if applicable), finances, arrangements for children and the practical steps you can take moving forward.
During these meetings we will talk you through your options and the different costs associated with those options so that you can decide whether you would like any onward support and, if so, how much. There is no obligation to instruct after the consultation appointment if you find you do not need any help beyond that first appointment.
Loans
Often clients will fund their legal costs via loans from either 3rd party establishments or from Family/Friends, which are repaid at the conclusion of the process. There are also dedicated companies that offer litigation loans for clients within court proceedings, but only in certain circumstances.
In finance cases, we can factor in existing liabilities as part of the ‘matrimonial pot’ and they are therefore taken into account when deciding who keeps what assets.
Costs paid by the other party
In very limited circumstances, it is possible to seek an order that the other party to the proceedings pays your costs. This is generally only possible in cases where their conduct has been so unreasonable that it warrants the making of an order, but there are certain types of proceedings where you are entitled to recover your costs if you are successful. We can advise you more on this in your initial meeting. The starting position is always that you will be responsible for your own costs.
Our approach
At Neves, we will give you a cost estimate at your fixed fee meeting which is dependent on the approach we have agreed with you. We will talk through your funding options and which parts of the process you can do yourself so as to keep costs to a minimum. We will regularly keep you updated as to the costs that you have incurred so that you can understand what the process is costing and is likely to cost in future.
Often it is worthwhile spending money on legal proceedings to negotiate a better financial outcome long term. Our team can advise you on the likely financial outcome and whether it is worth spending money in order to achieve it, conducting a cost benefit analysis with you and helping you to make an informed decision.
If you would like to arrange a fixed fee consultation with a member of our family team call 0330 0945 500, email family@nevesllp.co.uk or complete our Contact Form and we'll get back to you.
