Whether you’re navigating a complex divorce, or require help negotiating child arrangements following a separation, a family law solicitor provides you with the legal support and guidance you need to reach a fair and amicable resolution.
Here, we’ll explore the circumstances under which you may need a family law solicitor and provide insight into the costs associated with hiring one.
Why would you need a family law solicitor?
Family law solicitors provide invaluable support and legal advice to families navigating changes to their family dynamic.
They can provide a wide range of services, including legal advice, representation, document preparation, mediation, and negotiation.
These services help ensure proceedings are handled fairly and that the rights and interests of all parties, particularly those of children, are protected.
Some of the most common family matters that require a family law solicitor include:
- Divorce or separation
- Civil partnerships
- Child arrangements
- Grandparents’ and relatives rights
- Domestic violence
- Change of name
- Judicial separation
- Parental responsibility
- Prenuptial or pre-cohabitation agreement
How much does a solicitor cost for family law in the UK?
The cost of hiring a family law solicitor completely depends on the details of your case.
Several different factors influence the cost, including the solicitor you choose, the area of family law involved, and the complexity of the case. For example, you can expect to pay far less in solicitor fees for a simple name change than you would for a complex divorce.
Always check with your solicitor whether they charge an hourly rate or a fixed fee.
For cases charged at an hourly rate, the price per hour is dependent on the solicitor’s level of experience. A solicitor’s hourly rate can vary from £150 to £300 per hour, plus VAT.
Most solicitors can provide an estimate of the number of hours your case should take.
Some solicitors offer a fixed-fee service, where they provide a quote for the case before they start work and a guarantee that this price won’t change – most clients prefer this approach as it is more reliable and easier to budget for.
How much are family court fees in the UK?
Some family law cases require an application to be filed with the court, for example, divorce and judicial separation.
Family court fees vary widely, depending on the type of application or action you are taking.
Applications relating to domestic violence cases are usually free of charge, while applications for a divorce, dissolution, or judicial separation cost £593.
It’s always preferable not to go to court as court proceedings can be very expensive. However, if a family law matter cannot be settled using negotiation or mediation, then it may require court intervention.
If this is the case, you will need to budget for these fees.
Your solicitor can advise you on the cost of court fees and any waivers or deductions that may be available to you.
Need free, no-obligation legal advice regarding a family law matter? Speak to our team of experienced family law solicitors here at Mark Reynolds Solicitors by calling us on 0800 002 9577.