We pride ourselves on delivering a professional efficient service to our clients. The person with conduct of your matter will have the relevant experience and qualifications required to provide you with sensible and practical advice. Please visit our about us page for more information.
We recognise that receiving information about how much a transaction costs is important to you. We appreciate that you need to be able to budget for all expenses. We want to be as transparent as possible with you about our fees and do our best to explain them to you in clear and simple language.
Due to the complexities of some areas of law and the issues involved it is not always possible to provide you with definitive price information but we have set out below guides to our costs when dealing with some common areas such as property, probate and family matters. The figures are an indication of the likely costs we charge in a typical “standard” case. We will still have a detailed conversation with you relating to your specific matter at the time of our engagement and advise you of any anticipated additional costs.
Let’s face it, it is much easier to manage regular small payments than being hit by a big bill. You can pay our family law fees on a monthly basis to spread and manage the cost. We do not charge you interest and we are not offering credit. We are simply allowing you to pay our fees over an agreed period by standing order.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch and one of our team will be happy to assist.
RESIDENTIAL CONVEYANCING
Residential Conveyancing
Information on purchasing, selling, remortgaging a property.
Purchase of a freehold or leasehold residential property
Our fees cover all the work required to complete the purchase of your new home, including dealing with registration at the Land Registry and dealing with the payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax if the property is in England. The information below is based upon a standard transaction of registered land. We will still have a detailed conversation with you relating to your specific matter at the time of our engagement and advise you of any anticipated additional costs.
Our Fees
Carrying out the conveyancing transaction from £950 plus VAT at 20% – total from £1,140 (depending upon your purchase price)
Preparing and submitting the Stamp Duty £75 plus VAT at 20% – total £90
Carrying out pre-completion Land Registry Checks £20 plus VAT at 20% – total £24
Onboarding, ID and AML Checks £40 plus VAT at 20% – total £48
Subtotal from £1,085 plus VAT at 20% – total from £1,302
Dealing with a leasehold property incurs an additional fee of £300 plus VAT at 20% – total £360
Dealing with a new build property incurs an additional fee of £250 plus VAT at 20% – total £300.
For dealing with a Help to Buy equity loan, we charge an additional fee of £300 plus VAT at 20% – total £360.
For dealing with a freehold management company, we charge an additional fee of £200 plus VAT at 20% – total £240.
Whilst most properties are registered, some are not. If a property is unregistered, additional work is involved which will incur a further charge of £150 plus VAT at 20% – total £180.
If you have a Help to Buy ISA and wish for us to apply for the bonus, we will charge a fee of £50 + VAT at 20% total £60 for processing the bonus request application.
Should you require a Declaration of Trust, we charge at additional fee of £295 + VAT at 20% – total £354.
Due to recent legislation surrounding building and fire safety, we regret that we are unable to act for leasehold flats where the building in which the property is situated exceeds 3 storeys. The new legislation has resulted in complex regulations and mortgage lender requirements therefore we are pausing our work in this area until there is clarity from the government and mortgage lenders. The quote that we provide is given on the basis that the property does not fall in this category.
Disbursements (monies we pay out to third parties on your behalf)
Local, Water & Drainage and Environmental Searches £300 approx.
Lawyer bank check fee £15
Subtotal £327
The purchase of a leasehold property may incur an additional disbursement in connection with service of notices on the landlord or management company. This amount varies from transaction to transaction.
Stamp duty land tax – this depends on the purchase price of your property. You can calculate the amount you will need to pay by using HMRC’s website.
Land Registry Registration Fee – this depends on the purchase price of your property. A quick guide is set out below for registered properties:
Value or price of Property – Fee
£80,001 – £100,000 – £40.00
£100,001 – £200,000 – £100.00
£200,001 – £500,000 – £150.00
£500,001 – £1,000,000 – £295.00
Click here for more information from the Land Registry
Bank Telegraphic Transfer Fees and our Administrative Charges:
If we need to transfer funds on your behalf in the course of the transaction we make a costs charge for the following services, which includes the fee that our bank charges us to facilitate this service.
Same day CHAPS transfer £30 plus VAT at 20% – total £36
BACS transfer £10 plus VAT at 20% – total £12
If the transaction falls through for any reason, we will charge a fee based on the percentage of the work we have completed. The percentage will be in line with the following stages of the transaction:
- Before receipt of Contract papers – up to 25%
- After raising enquiries and ordering searches – up to 50%
- After reporting to you – up to 75%
- After preparing the file for exchange of Contracts – up to 90%
How long will my house purchase take?
How long it will take from your offer being accepted until you can move in to your house will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 12 to 16 weeks.
It can be quicker or slower, depending on the parties in the chain, how quickly their Solicitors are able to respond and how long it will take to meet and satisfy the requirements of your mortgage lender (if you have one). You should not start to make completion arrangements (e.g. book furniture vans etc.) until the matter has progressed and we are able to advise you of the likely completion date.
Stages of the process
The precise stages involved in the purchase of a residential property vary according to the circumstances and we shall discuss these stages with you throughout your matter.
Sale of a freehold or leasehold residential property
Our fees cover all the work required to complete the sale of your home. The information below is based upon a standard transaction of registered land. We will still have a detailed conversation with you relating to your specific matter at the time of our engagement and advise you of any anticipated additional costs.
Our Fees
For carrying out the conveyancing transaction from £850 VAT at 20% – total from £1,020 (depending upon your sale price)
For inspection the title documentation £20 plus VAT at 20% – £24
Onboarding, ID and AML Checks £40 plus VAT at 20% – £48
Subtotal from £910 plus VAT at 20% – total from £1,092
Dealing with the sale of a leasehold property, we charge an additional fee of £300 plus VAT at 20% – total £360. In addition, you may have to pay a fee to the landlord or management company for preparing a leasehold information pack. This fee varies from transaction to transaction.
For dealing with the redemption of additional charges on the property, £100 plus VAT at 20% – total £120.
For dealing with a freehold management company, we charge an additional fee of £200 plus VAT at 20% – total £240.
Whilst most properties are registered, some are not. If a property is unregistered, additional work is involved which will incur a further charge of £150 plus VAT at 20% – total £180.
Due to recent legislation surrounding building and fire safety, we regret that we are unable to act for leasehold flats where the building in which the property is situated exceeds 3 storeys. The new legislation has resulted in complex regulations and mortgage lender requirements therefore we are pausing our work in this area until there is clarity from the government and mortgage lenders. The quote that we provide is given on the basis that the property does not fall in this category.
Bank Telegraphic Transfer Fee and our Administrative Charges:
If we need to transfer funds on your behalf in the course of the transaction we make a costs charge for the following services, which includes the fee that our bank charges us to facilitate this service.
Same day CHAPS transfer £30 plus VAT at 20% – total £36.
BACS transfer £10 plus VAT at 20% – total £12.
If the transaction falls through for any reason, we will charge a fee based on the percentage of the work we have completed. The percentage will be in line with the following stages of the transaction:
- Before preparation of Contract papers – up to 25%
- After preparation of Contract papers but before dealing with enquiries – up to 50%
- After dealing with enquiries – up to 75%
- After preparing the file for exchange of Contracts – up to 90%
How long will my house sale take?
The average process takes between 12 to 16 weeks. It can be quicker or slower, depending on how quickly the other party or parties can proceed and how quickly their Solicitors are able to respond. If you are involved in a “chain” of transactions we will be dependent upon other parties in the chain being in a position to proceed when we are in a position so to do. You should not start to make completion arrangements (e.g. book furniture vans etc.) until the matter has progressed and we are able to advise you of the likely completion date.
Stages of the process
The precise stages involved in the sale of a residential property vary according to the circumstances and we shall discuss these stages with you throughout your matter.
Re-Mortgage or mortgage of a freehold or leasehold residential property
Our Fees
Carrying out the conveyancing transaction from £395 plus VAT at 20% – total from £474
Inspection the title documentation £40 plus VAT at 20% – total £24.
Carrying out pre-completion Land Registry Checks £30 plus VAT at 20% – total £24.
Onboarding, ID and AML Checks £40 plus VAT at 20% – total £48.
Subtotal from £505 plus VAT at 20% – total from £606
Disbursements (monies we pay out to third parties on your behalf)
Local, Water & Drainage and Environmental Searches £300 approx. or alternatively your lender may accept an indemnity policy. The cost of this policy varies depending on the mortgage value.AP1 submission fee £6
Subtotal £306
The re-mortgage of a leasehold property may incur an additional disbursement in connection with service of notices on the landlord or management company. This amount varies from transaction to transaction.
Land Registry Registration Fee – This depends on the value of your mortgage. A quick guide is set out below:
Value or price of Property Fee
£0- £100,000 – £20.00
£100,001 – £200,000 – £30.00
£200,001 – £500,000 – £45.00
£500,001 – £1,000,000 – £65.00
Click here for more information from the Land Registry
Bank Telegraphic Transfer Fee and our Administrative Charges:
If we need to transfer funds on your behalf in the course of the transaction we make a costs charge for the following services, which includes the fee that our bank charges us to facilitate this service.
Same day CHAPS transfer £30 plus VAT
BACS transfer £10 plus VAT
How long will my re-mortgage or mortgage take?
The average process takes between 6 to 8 weeks. It can be quicker or slower, depending on how quickly your mortgage offer is issued by your lender. We will advise you of the likely completion date as soon as we are able to.
PROBATE COSTS
Probate
We understand that this can be a difficult time. Our experienced probate lawyers are able to give you and your Executors clear and sympathetic advice. The information below is based upon a standard transaction. We will still have a detailed conversation with you relating to your specific matter at the time of our engagement and advise you of any anticipated additional costs.
Applying for the Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration only
Our Fees £1,200 plus VAT at 20% – total £1,440. There is an additional fee of £750 + VAT at 20% – total £900 where an IHT400 inheritance tax form is required.
Disbursements (monies we pay out to third parties on your behalf)
Usual disbursements include the following:
Probate Court fee of £526, when the actual application for the Grant is submitted, including office copies of the Grant. Other disbursements may be payable depending upon the circumstances of the matter. We will discuss this with at the outset.
How long will it take?
A “standard” matter usually takes approximately 2 months from the date of death to be ready to apply for the Grant . The Grant is usually issued within 6 – 12 weeks, depending on the nature and size of the estate.
Please appreciate that events can sometimes arise which cause unexpected delay.
Applying for the Grant of Probate, collecting and distributing the assets (Administration of the Estate)
Our Fees
Our fees cover the following work to obtain a grant of representation to administer the estate:
Ascertain the assets and liabilities of the estate;
Calculate taxes due;
Obtain a grant of representation;
Collect the assets;
Pay debts, taxes and administration expenses;
Sell assets, if necessary, to realise cash for the purposes of the administration;
Transfer the assets to those entitled;
Produce estate accounts; and
Provide statements of income and income tax paid to beneficiaries with an income entitlement.
This is not an exhaustive list as there may be other issues that arise during the administration.
Our fees are calculated by reference to time spent in connection with the estate and the value of the estate and is calculated based on the fee earner acting’s hourly rate.
In addition the following rates are charged based on the value of the estate:-
1% of the value of the estate (except for land and property) and
1⁄2% of the value of the land or property if we transfer to a beneficiary
OR
1⁄4% of the value of the land or property if we deal with a sale
You will appreciate at an early stage it is very difficult to estimate how much time will be taken in dealing with estate administration matters as there are many circumstances and factors that can change in the administration of the estate.
We anticipate the following:
Obtaining the Grant (10 hours)
Estate administration (12 hours)
Ordinarily, charges will be payable on conclusion of the administration of the estate although we reserve the right to submit interim accounts for payment by the estate from time to time during the administration of the estate if work involved is substantial.
Disbursements (monies we pay out to third parties on your behalf)
Usual disbursements include the following:
Probate Court fee of £526, when the actual application for the Grant is submitted, including office copies of the Grant. Other disbursements may be payable depending upon the circumstances of the matter. We will discuss this with at the outset.
Disbursements will be paid from the estate in due course.
Potential additional costs
If there is no Will or the estate consists of any share holdings (stocks and bonds) there is likely to be additional costs that could range significantly depending on the estate and how it is to be dealt with. Additional copies of the grant will be charged at an additional cost and dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the estate is not included.
We can give you a more accurate estimate of costs once we have more information.
How long will it take?
A “standard” matter usually takes approximately 2 months from the date of death to be ready to apply for the Grant . The Grant is usually issued within 6– 12 weeks, depending on the nature and size of the estate. Thereafter it should be a fairly straightforward matter to deal with encashment of assets such as bank accounts and shareholdings.
Once the Grant of Representation has been obtained it is good practice not to distribute the estate until a period of 10 months has elapsed. This is because anyone wishing to make a claim against the estate has a period of six months to do so, and has four months from the issue of the claim in which to serve it. Clearly if all the executors and beneficiaries (provided they are over the age of eighteen) unanimously agree that an estate can be distributed earlier, if the terms of the Will are straightforward and/or uncontroversial, then an earlier distribution can be agreed.
Please appreciate that events can sometimes arise which cause unexpected delay.
WILLS
Wills
We charge £225 – 325 + VAT at 20% – total £270 – 390 for a straightforward single Will and £390 – £490 + VAT at 20% – total £468 – 588 for joint straightforward mirror Wills.
If you require a property Trust in your Will, we charge a fee of £75 + VAT at 20% – total £90 for a single Will or £100 + VAT at 20% – total £120 for joint mirror Wills.
You can also make a Will using the Cancer Research Will service. Most people who use this service leave a gift to Cancer Research, however it is not a requirement.
We offer 10% off our Lasting Power of Attorney fees when you make a Will.
Contact us to find out more.
LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY
Lasting Power of Attorney
Details of our Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) fees are set out below. Please contact us if you would like to discuss making a LPA.
We offer 10% off our Lasting Power of Attorney fees when you also make a Will.
Single (one client)
Property and Financial Affairs or Health and Welfare (Preparation Only) £195 + VAT at 20% – total £234.
Property and Financial Affairs or Health and Welfare (Registration Only) £195 + VAT at 20% – total £234.
Property and Financial Affairs or Health and Welfare (Preparation and Registration)
£350 + VAT at 20% – total £420.
Property and Financial Affairs and Health and Welfare (Preparation Only) £350 + VAT at 20% – total £420.
Property and Financial Affairs and Health and Welfare (Registration Only) £350 + VAT at 20% – total £420.
Property and Financial Affairs and Health and Welfare (Preparation and Registration)
£500 + VAT at 20% – total £600.
Mirror pair (spouse clients)
Property and Financial Affairs or Health and Welfare (Preparation Only) £350 + VAT at 20% – total £420.
Property and Financial Affairs or Health and Welfare (Registration Only) £350 + VAT at 20% – total £420.
Property and Financial Affairs or Health and Welfare (Preparation and Registration)
£500 + VAT at 20% – total £600.
Property and Financial Affairs and Health and Welfare (Preparation Only) £500 + VAT at 20% – total £600.
Property and Financial Affairs and Health and Welfare (Registration Only) £500 + VAT at 20% – total £600.
Property and Financial Affairs and Health and Welfare (Preparation and Registration)
£750 + VAT at 20% – total £900.
When Lasting Powers of Attorney are registered there is a fee of £92.00 per document. You may qualify for exemption or reduction of this registration fee, we will discuss this with you.
FAMILY LAW
Family Law
Family Law Fixed Fees
We offer a fixed fee 45 minute initial appointment which will include advice specific to your circumstances. The cost of this appointment is £175 + VAT at 20% – total £210.
No fault divorce or civil partnership dissolution – you start the proceedings – Fixed fee
Our fees
£350 plus VAT at 20% – total £420.
Court fee £628
Total £1,048
What’s included?
Initial consultation with a specialist family law solicitor. All steps up to and including the final order, to include the completion and filing of all paperwork. No further meetings with you are anticipated as the divorce process is usually a paperwork process. We will inform you of progress at relevant key stages by way of either email (preferred), letter or telephone
No fault divorce or civil partnership dissolution – your partner starts the proceedings – Fixed fee
Our fees
£150 plus VAT at 20% – total £180.
What’s included?
Initial consultation with a specialist family law solicitor. All steps up to and including the final order, to include the completion and filing of all paperwork. No further meetings with you are anticipated as the divorce or civil partnership dissolution process is usually a paperwork process. We will inform you of progress at relevant key stages by way of either email (preferred), letter or telephone.
Additional fees
Usually a divorce or civil partnership dissolution proceeds smoothly, but in some cases there can be additional issues to deal with, for example, if the other party does not acknowledge receipt of the papers or is difficult to trace. If these issues arise we will discuss any additional work and associated costs with you before that work is undertaken.
Financial proceedings in divorce or civil partnership dissolution
When couples separate there may be financial issues to be resolved such as the future of the family home, financial support for a spouse or children and division of family assets including pensions and businesses.
We will always strive to assist you in reaching an agreement in relation to those issues, but if this is not possible it may be necessary to apply to the court to resolve those issues. Our fees for assisting you will usually be charged at an hourly rate together with VAT and Disbursements. We will be able to advise you of a costs estimate at your initial appointment.
Our fees
Our fees for assisting you will usually be charged at an hourly rate, together with VAT and disbursements. We will be able to advise you of a costs estimate at your initial appointment.
Where your circumstances are suitable for a fixed fee, our fixed fees for financial consent orders start at £1,400 plus VAT at 20% – total £1,680.
What’s included?
Initial consultation with a specialist family law solicitor. Negotiation on the terms of the proposed financial settlement and preparation of the agreed consent order. Submission of the consent order to the Court. We will inform you of progress at relevant key stages by way of either email (preferred), letter or telephone.
Mediation Referral
Mediation is a process where an independent mediator help couples to find options and reach an agreement on issues arising in their separation. Mediation can reduce hostility, open communication between the parties and save costs.
Our fees
Starting from £250 plus VAT at 20% – total £300.
What’s included
Initial consultation with a specialist family law solicitor. Preparation and submission of the mediation referral to an independent mediator. We will inform you of progress at relevant key stages by way of either email (preferred), letter or telephone.
Post Mediation Advice
Our fees
Starting form £500 plus VAT at 20% – total £600.
What’s included
Consultation with a specialist family law solicitor to discuss the outcome of the mediation and next steps in implementing the agreement reached. We will inform you of progress at relevant key stages by way of either email (preferred), letter or telephone.
Parental Responsibility Agreements
Parental Responsibility means all the rights, duties, powers, responsibilities and authority which by law a parent of a child has in relation to their child. An unmarried father does not in some circumstances automatically acquire parental responsibility but it can be obtained. One way is by entering into a voluntary agreement with any other person who has Parental Responsibility for the child. Assuming agreement has been reached we can help you make and register a
Our fees
£500.00 plus VAT at 20% – total £600.
What’s included
Initial consultation with a specialist family law solicitor. All steps up to and including registration of the agreement and reporting to you thereafter. We would not anticipate needing to meet with you again after the initial consultation, but we will contact you at all key stages throughout the process by way of email (preferred), letter or telephone call.
Change of Name Deed
Our fees
£100 plus VAT at 20% – total £120.
What’s included
Initial consultation with a specialist family law solicitor. Preparation and signature to the Change of Name Deed. Providing you with the original Deed together with further certified copies.
Legal Aid
Legal Aid is still available for some types of cases where you have been the victim of domestic violence or if social services have been involved because your children are considered to be at risk.
Initial identification check and onboarding
We charge a fee of £20 + VAT at 20% – total £24 for the initial identification check and onboarding of your matter.