Family law legal fees

Wherever possible, our fees are shown inclusive of VAT so you can see the total cost more clearly. If a fee is shown “plus VAT”, VAT will be added at the prevailing rate, and we will confirm the full amount with you before you instruct us or any additional work is carried out.

If your matter is charged on an hourly basis, we will confirm the applicable hourly rate and explain how VAT applies. If anything changes that is likely to affect the overall cost, we will discuss this with you and provide an updated estimate so you remain in control.

Contact us for an accurate quote based on your circumstances.

Contributor: Alex Adeyemo, Consultant Family Solicitor

Some of our fixed-fee services include a set amount of work, measured in time. When you see “limited to X hours”, it means the quoted price covers up to that number of hours for the tasks listed under that service.

If it becomes clear that more time is needed (for example, because the matter becomes more complex, urgent steps are required, or there is significantly more correspondence than expected), we will tell you before the limit is reached. We will then provide a further written estimate for the additional work, so you can decide how you want to proceed.

Contributor: Alex Adeyemo, Consultant Family Solicitor

We use fixed fees where the work can be scoped clearly and delivered within a predictable set of steps. This is often the case for specific pieces of work, such as preparing an application or drafting a particular document.

Other family law matters can change quickly depending on how the other person responds, whether urgent court deadlines arise, or whether safeguarding concerns need to be addressed. In those situations, an hourly rate is usually the fairest way to charge, because it reflects the actual time spent progressing your case.

Whichever approach applies, we will explain what is included, confirm likely additional costs (such as court fees or counsel), and keep you updated if the scope changes.

Contributor: Alex Adeyemo, Consultant Family Solicitor

Hourly rates vary depending on the experience and seniority of the person handling your matter. We will confirm the relevant hourly rate at the outset and explain how the work will be allocated, so you know what to expect.

Your case will be handled by an appropriate member of the family team, which may include a solicitor or another legal professional. Where work is carried out by someone who is training or less experienced, it will be supervised by a senior member of the team to ensure quality and consistency.

If your matter would benefit from a particular level of seniority (for example, where there is urgency, complexity, or safeguarding), we will discuss this with you and agree the approach before work begins.

Contributor: Alex Adeyemo, Consultant Family Solicitor

Family law costs depend on what needs to be resolved and how the matter progresses. The biggest factor is often whether both parties can reach agreement, or whether court involvement becomes necessary.

Costs can also change depending on urgency and deadlines, safeguarding concerns, the number of issues involved (for example, children arrangements alongside financial matters), and the complexity of documents and disclosure. A higher volume of correspondence, contested points, or additional hearings will usually increase the time required.

At the outset, we will explain the likely cost drivers in your situation and provide an estimate where work is billed hourly. If circumstances change, we will discuss this with you and update the estimate before significant additional work is carried out.

Contributor: Alex Adeyemo, Consultant Family Solicitor

What is included depends on the service you choose, and we will always explain the scope before you instruct us. Where relevant, our fees can include your initial consultation and advice, a document checklist to help you gather the right information, reviewing paperwork and advising on any gaps, and corresponding with the other party and the court on your behalf.

If your matter involves an application or ongoing negotiations, our work will typically include preparing and reviewing documents, advising you on your options, and guiding you through to the next stage or decision. For fixed-fee services, the tasks covered (and any time limits, where applicable) will be set out clearly so you know exactly what the fee includes.

If you are unsure whether a particular step is included, we will clarify this upfront and confirm it in writing.

Contributor: Alex Adeyemo, Consultant Family Solicitor

Our fees cover the legal work we carry out for you. They do not usually include disbursements, which are third-party costs paid to others as part of your case. Common disbursements in family matters can include court fees, barristers’ (counsel) fees, independent expert fees, and interpreter or translation costs.

Disbursements vary depending on the type of case and the steps required. For example, court fees depend on the application being made, and counsel or experts may be needed where a hearing is listed or specialist input is required. We will discuss any likely disbursements with you as early as possible and confirm the cost before we incur it, so you can make an informed decision.

Contributor: Alex Adeyemo, Consultant Family Solicitor

Yes. If your matter is charged on an hourly basis, we will confirm the hourly rate and provide a written estimate based on the information available at the time. If a fixed fee applies, we will explain exactly what is included and whether there is a time allowance (for example, limited to a set number of hours).

Family matters can evolve as new information comes to light, deadlines change, or the other party’s approach shifts. If anything happens that is likely to affect the overall cost, we will tell you promptly and provide an updated estimate before significant additional work is carried out. That way, you can stay in control of how your case progresses and what you spend.

Contributor: Alex Adeyemo, Consultant Family Solicitor

We keep costs under control by being clear about scope from the outset and keeping you updated as your matter progresses. If your case is billed hourly, we will confirm the hourly rate, provide an estimate based on what we know, and explain what factors are most likely to affect the total cost.

If a fixed fee includes a time allowance (for example, limited to a set number of hours), we will tell you what is included. If it looks like more time will be needed, we will speak with you before the limit is reached and provide a further estimate so you can decide how to proceed.

Where appropriate, we can also agree priorities and a step-by-step approach, so you only pay for the work that moves your case forward.

Contributor: Alex Adeyemo, Consultant Family Solicitor

If you have any concerns about costs, progress, or the service you are receiving, we encourage you to raise this as early as possible. In most cases, issues can be resolved quickly by speaking to the fee earner handling your matter, who can explain the work carried out, discuss next steps, and clarify any estimates or likely additional costs.

If you would like to make a formal complaint, you can do so using our complaints procedure. We will acknowledge your complaint, investigate it fairly, and provide a clear response. Full details of how to complain, including relevant timescales and escalation options, are available on our website. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) requires firms to provide clear complaints information so clients know how concerns will be handled.

Contributor: Alex Adeyemo, Consultant Family Solicitor

Often, yes. If parts of your matter are straightforward or can be agreed without the need for court hearings, the overall time required is usually lower. Where work can be scoped clearly, we may be able to offer a fixed fee for a specific stage or task.

If your case is billed hourly, we can also discuss a step-by-step approach so you prioritise the work that is most important to you. For example, some clients prefer focused advice on a particular issue first, followed by targeted negotiations, rather than progressing every point at once.

We will always discuss the most cost-effective approach for your situation, confirm the pricing structure in writing, and update you if the scope changes.

Contributor: Alex Adeyemo, Consultant Family Solicitor