It is often difficult to predict what any action will eventually cost as it depends on the approach taken and the length of time taken to reach an agreement. However, we will undertake to provide ongoing estimates to help you track and control your expenses as closely as possible.
Cost limits
It is possible for you to put an upper cost limit in place. If you wish to do this, please speak to the solicitor acting on your behalf.
Funding
Solicitors fees, court costs and expert fees can be extremely daunting. It is sometimes possible to fund your costs through your savings and an agreement with your spouse or partner that you will use an asset to pay.
We accept all debit and credit cards (except Amex) and litigation funding, if you are eligible.
Indications of fees and associated costs:
A straight-forward, undefended divorce where both parties complete all documentation without the need for amendments and without any defence or arguments will cost:
- Court Fees (currently £593)
- Solicitors Fees for the petitioner: £350 plus VAT
- Solicitors fees for the respondent: £150 plus VAT
Injunctions can cover anything from domestic violence to determining who should occupy a property. The level of cost depends on the amount of information available, number of statements available and the number of hearings required.
We would expect costs of around £10,000 plus VAT.
The cost of asset freezing injunctions depends on the location of the assets, and the amount and complexity of them.
For worldwide freezing, you should budget a minimum of £15,000-£25,000 plus VAT, Court Fees and Barrister Costs. If your application is limited in terms of number and location of assets, then your budget should be £5,000-£6,000 plus VAT, Court Fees and Barrister costs.
There are various different applications that can be made to Court relating to child proceedings. They vary from where a child should live to how often they should see each parent.
If the matter proceeds to a final court hearing without agreement being reached between the parties, total costs are likely to be £15,000-£25,000 plus VAT, Court Fees and Barrister costs.
Resolving disputes in relation to financial matters can be extremely expensive. They will also vary depending on the approach taken as follows:
- Mediation: as this approach will also need the advice of a solicitor throughout, our charges are at the hourly rate of the solicitor, normally (but not always) split equally between the couple. On average, you should allow for 4-8 sessions at 1.5-2 hours each.
- Collaborative Law: on average, there are 4-6 meetings of 1.5-2 hours each. There is also work to be carried out in between the meetings. We estimate that each party’s costs would be between £6,000 and £10,000 plus VAT and disbursements.
- Family Arbitration: please speak to Jo Hawkins to obtain a quote for this approach.
- Solicitor Negotiations: For a relatively straightforward matter, you should budget no less than £6,000 plus VAT and disbursements.
- Fast Track: Costs in advance of any court proceedings are estimated at a minimum of £6,000 plus VAT and disbursements.
- Financial Proceedings issued in court: Phase 1 (First Directions Appointment) – budget £6,000-£10,000 plus VAT and the costs of any expert advice needed; Phase 2 (Financial Dispute Resolution Hearing) – budget around £10,000 to £20,000 plus VAT; Phase 3 (Final Hearing) – budget an additional £20,000 to £40,000 plus VAT depending on the complexity of the case.
For initial hearings, budget between £1,200 to £6,000 plus VAT. For a Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR), budget between £1,500 and £5,000 plus VAT.