ESTIMATE OF FEES for Direct Access – Financial Disputes in Divorce

For transparency, we enclose below a schedule of estimated fees for Direct Access clients, namely members of the public who instruct barristers directly and not via a solicitor or other authorised litigator.

It is essential to understand that the fees in the table below are estimates only and should not be considered the exact amounts to be charged. There are numerous factors to be taken into consideration that determine a barrister’s charges, for example, the volume of case documentation to peruse, i.e. papers to be read and analysed, legal research that might be required, complexities of the case that may increase preparation time, the experience and seniority of the barrister instructed, novel issues, number of witnesses, the court jurisdiction, i.e. family court/high court, travel disbursements etc.

The actual amounts to be charged can only be determined upon the senior practice manager’s proper evaluation of the case. This process will involve you having to provide the practice manager with certain information and documentation before deciding whether to accept your case. Please note that Chambers or the barrister is not obligated to accept a case via Direct Access. Barristers are entitled to decline to accept a case via Direct Access.

The following table applies specifically to cases concerning financial disputes in divorce. The fees shown are estimates only. Our actual charges could be higher.

Our most commonly used pricing models are fixed fees based on hourly rates, so we will estimate in advance the hours of work needed to deliver the required service – such an estimate will be made solely on the information provided by the client.

Direct Access – Financial Disputes in Divorce

Our barristers can advise you if you and your former partner cannot agree on financial matters during or after a divorce. For example, you may not be able to agree on how assets should be divided, whether to sell your home or other assets, maintenance payments and pension sharing.

If you cannot agree, you can apply to a court for a financial order. You may need to attend several court hearings – our barristers can represent you in these hearings.

Timescales

Timescales for your case may vary depending on factors such as barristers’ availability, the value and complexity of your assets, whether you have children, how much you have agreed with your former partner and their approach. If you require written advice on your financial dispute, it will be available within two to four weeks, where possible. As a guide, court hearings for a financial order tend to take six to twelve months. This does not include possible appeals.

Fees

We charge fixed fees, meaning we will charge you a set amount for the work. Below we provide estimates based on the fixed fee ranges for barristers at 4 Brick Court. VAT at the relevant rate (currently 20%) is payable on top of all fees estimated below.

Your fixed fees may be towards the higher end of the range if you need a more experienced barrister. If you have a particularly complex case, your fees may also be higher than the estimates below.

It is important to understand that you will have additional costs to pay if you issue court proceedings. You will need to pay these fees directly to HM Courts & Tribunals Service. For information about court fees, please check the court and tribunal fees page on the gov.uk website or simply click here. Family Court fees start on page 15.

Stage of case

Ranges of fixed fees (estimate)

Initial conference                                                                        £500 + VAT – £1,500 + VAT

Written advice on your financial dispute                                 £750 + VAT – £1,250 + VAT

Preparation of case, including a further conference            £750 + VAT – £1,500 + VAT
with you if needed, and assisting with
drafting of any court documents

First directions appointment (first court hearing                   £1,250 + VAT – £2,400 + VAT
exchanging financial information)

Financial dispute resolution hearing (second court               £2,000 + VAT – £3,750 + VAT
hearing to reach a financial settlement)

First day of final hearing (if no settlement was reached        £2,500 + VAT – £8,000 + VAT
in the financial dispute resolution hearing)

Court appearances per day, after the first day of the            £1,500 + VAT – £2,400 + VAT
final hearing

All information is correct as of 1^st January 2021, but fees are estimates only. For the most accurate fixed fee estimate, please contact the clerks at 020 7832 3200 or via email clerks@4bc.co.uk