Family Law Fees

We provide clear information about our fees before you decide whether to instruct us.

Family law costs depend on the type of matter, whether the case is agreed or contested, the amount of work required and whether court attendance is needed.

Where possible, we offer fixed fees for straightforward divorce matters. If your case is more complex, we’ll explain the likely costs and funding options before work begins.

Undefended Petitioner Divorce

Where you are applying for the divorce and your spouse is not seeking to defend or cross-petition.

£1,812 inc. VAT and court fee

This includes:

Up to 2 hours’ face-to-face consultation with your solicitor.
Taking instructions and advising on the divorce process.
Preparing and dealing with the divorce from start to finish.
Court fee, currently £612.
VAT.

This does not include:

Negotiating or resolving financial matters.
Resolving childcare arrangements.
Bailiff or process server fees.
Difficulties serving your spouse with the divorce papers.
Any required attendance at court.

Undefended Respondent Divorce

Where your spouse has applied for the divorce and you are not defending or cross-petitioning.

£900 inc. VAT

This includes:

Up to 2 hours’ face-to-face consultation with your solicitor.
Taking instructions on the divorce papers received.
Preparing the acknowledgement of service, where required.
Responding to statement of arrangements for children, where applicable.
VAT.

This does not include:

Negotiating or resolving financial matters.
Resolving childcare arrangements.
The petitioner’s costs if a costs order is made against you.
The court fee, if payable separately.

Defended or Contested Divorce

If your case is defended, contested or not suitable for a fixed-fee service, we’ll usually deal with the matter on an hourly-rate basis.

Our hourly rates for family law matters usually range from:

£180 to £250 + VAT per hour

The exact rate will depend on the qualifications, experience and seniority of the person dealing with your case.

During your initial consultation, we’ll explain your options and provide an estimate based on the likely work required.

Disbursements

Disbursements are expenses payable to third parties in connection with your matter. We may pay these on your behalf and then add them to your account for reimbursement.

Court Fees

For example, the divorce application fee. Court fees are set by HMCTS and may change.

Process Server or Bailiff Fees

These may apply if documents need to be formally served on another party.

Expert or Third-Party Fees

These may include pension valuations, property valuations, business valuations or tax advice.

Travel and Courier Costs

These may apply where travel, delivery or off-site attendance is required.

We do not charge clients for routine photocopying, fax transmissions, software use or long-distance telephone calls. These are treated as part of our normal business operations.

What Can Affect the Cost?

Whether the Matter Is Agreed

Uncontested matters are usually more predictable and less costly than contested cases.

Financial Issues

Negotiating finances, pensions, property or business assets will usually involve additional work.

Children Arrangements

Disputes about children may require separate advice, negotiation or court applications.

Court Attendance

If a hearing is required, additional preparation and representation fees may apply.

Important Notes

The fixed fees above apply only to the work described. They do not include separate advice or representation in relation to financial remedies, children matters, domestic abuse injunctions, defended proceedings or complex service issues unless agreed in writing.

Before starting work, we’ll explain what is included, what is excluded and any likely additional costs.

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