Divorce is a legal process ending the contract of marriage. However, it is very important to us that you understand at the start of your case that a Divorce will not deal with the division of your house, assets, income, pensions etc.
To deal with your matrimonial finances you will need to instruct us to represent you in this regard. As solicitors, we call this process Ancillary Relief. Work done with regard to Ancillary Relief matters is normally charged at an hourly rate. However in order to simplify the charging process for you and to make matters as cost effective as possible we have formulated a package in 3 stages.
Not everyone will need all three stages, most people will only require stages one or two.
What included within the package:
Ancillary Relief Package Stage 1 includes:-
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Legal Advice and support. This includes up to two hours personal attendance.
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The process of voluntary disclosure either by way of exchanging documentary evidence in correspondence or the voluntary completion of Form E.
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Court fee for starting filing the Consent Order at court should an agreement be reached.
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Telephone calls, emails and letters to/from you, your spouses' solicitor and the court.
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If an agreement is reached and the Consent Order is approved by the court, then implementation of the Order is included with regard to pensions sharing, assignment of life policies and advising you on how to implement orders in relation to property.
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Stage 1 is limited in time to 6 months from date of instruction, after which time you will be expected to progress to Stage 2 or alternatively you will be charged at our hourly rate should you not wish to proceed to stage 2.
Legal Fees £2000.00
VAT £350.00
Court Fees £40.00
Total: £2,390.00
Whats not included:
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Stage 1 is meant to be a voluntarily process to support parties in reaching a voluntary agreement. The issue of court proceedings is not included and should it become clear that an agreement is not going to be possible you will need to proceed to Stage 2.
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Conveyancing. This is the legal process of selling or transferring your property. We shall, of course, make recommendations, were ever possible, of a suitable specialist to do this for you. We will liaise with them in order to assist with the transfer/sale. You will be responsible for their charges.
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Any items listed in later stages below.
Ancillary Relief Package Stage 2 includes:-
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In the event that a voluntary agreement has not been possible an application for Ancillary Relief will be issued. The application will be drafted, filed at court and served on all necessary parties. The court will issue a time table to be complied with.
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The court fee for issuing your application for Ancillary Relief.
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A Form E will be drafted or if drafted in stage 1 it will be updated so that it can be sworn as true and filed at court.
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All work necessary to comply with the court time table issued on Form C. There are a number of other documents that are required to be filed prior to the first hearing and these will be prepared for you.
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Attendance at the First Appointment at court.
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Attendance at the Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR) Hearing (second hearing)
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If an agreement is reached and the Consent Order is approved by the court, then implementation of the Order is included with regard to pensions sharing, assignment of life policies and advising you on how to implement orders in relation to property
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Stage 2 is limited up to the completion of the FDR hearing.
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The cost of stage 2 is in addition to stage 1 above:
Legal Fees £3,500.00
VAT £612.50
Court Fees £210.00 Total £4,322.50
The possible “add ons” to your package are:
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Personal Service/Bailiff Service of the Application papers upon your spouse.
In certain circumstances your spouse may ignore/fail to acknowledge your application. If this happens your solicitor may advise you to have your spouse personally served. The Process Server, will promptly locate your spouse and serve them with the papers. This can often cost between £100 - £250 + VAT.
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Extra Hearings or further applications (interlocutory)
In certain cases it may become necessary to make an additional application which is of part of the average application, such as maintenance pending suite (maintenance for you whilst your case is ongoing). Should such a step become we shall discuss the cost of this prior to making such an application. Again your solicitor will advise you if this action is necessary and provide an estimate of charges at this time.
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Barristers Fees
Should you wish to instruct a barrister to provide a further opinion or represent you at the FDR a cost estimate wll be obtained in advance and you will need to deposit funds before the hearing to cover the fee.
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Conveyancing. This is the legal process of selling or transferring your property. We shall, of course, make recommendations, were ever possible, of a suitable specialist to do this for you. We will liaise with them in order to assist with the transfer/sale. You will be responsible for their charges.
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Travel to and from Court or Conference, Parking or Photocopying.
Ancillary Relief Package Stage 3 includes:-
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In the event that an agreement was not possible at the FDR your matter will be set down for trial, a Final hearing. There will be a number of things to prepare for trial, including, up dating previous documents, statements, trial bundle, brief to counsel etc.
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Including all stemps up to and including attendance at the final hearing.
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Implementation of the Final Order is included with regard to pensions sharing, assignment of life policies and advising you on how to implement orders in relation to property.
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The cost of stage 3 is in addition to stage 1 and 2 above:
Legal Fees £2,000.00
VAT £350.00 Total £2,350.00
The add ons to your package are:
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Barristers Fees
You will need to instruct a barrister to represent you at the final hearing. A cost estimate will be obtained in advance and you will need to deposit funds before the hearing to cover the fee.
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Conveyancing. This is the legal process of selling or transferring your property. We shall, of course, make recommendations, were ever possible, of a suitable specialist to do this for you. We will liaise with them in order to assist with the transfer/sale. You will be responsible for their charges.
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Travel to and from Court or Conference, Parking or Photocopying
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