Fixed Fee Divorce
Fixed Fee Uncontested Divorce Scheme.
We understand that relationship breakdown is a time of great emotional stress and uncertainty. Therefore, where married couples agree by mutual consent to bring an end to their marriage and proceed with an uncontested divorce, we can offer to undertake the legal work for the Petitioner on a fixed fee scheme. This allows a degree of certainty for all concerned and means that the legal costs for the uncontested divorce will not spiral out of control. The scheme includes all steps in divorce from initial instruction to decree absolute (or decree nisi within judicial separation proceedings).
How the scheme works
The scheme applies where proceedings are uncontested, i.e. your spouse does not object to the divorce petition, and when the court accepts the grounds for the divorce without question (which is usually the case) matters. All of the legal work including attendances, telephone calls and correspondence will be included and the divorce completed for a fixed fee of £550.00 plus VAT plus Court fees. A full breakdown of this is provided below:-
- Our fees - £550.00
- VAT - £96.25
- Court Fee (issue of divorce) - £300.00
- Court Fee (Decree Absolute) - £40.00
- Total Cost - £986.25
Payment stages
Not only will you know how much to pay, but you will also know when you need to pay it. We ask for 3 separate payments: -
- When you give us your instructions - we ask for payment of £500.00.
- When your Divorce Petition is ready to be sent to the Court - we ask for a further payment of £450.00.
- Finally, when we are ready to apply for Decree Absolute - we ask for a final payment of £36.25.
Additional Fees
As the scheme is intended for those parties who have reached a settlement, there may be additional work required which will not be included in the fixed fee scheme should matters become more complex. We will give you an estimate of the likely additional fees and outline the work required should this situation arise. The following work is not included in the scheme and there will be extra charge for us to carry out the work:
- Cost of a replacement Marriage Certificate if you do not have the original. The Registry fee for obtaining a copy is usually £7.50 Our fees for requesting a copy on your behalf will be £25 + VAT
- Any steps required in amending a divorce petition once issued with the court.
- Any steps in a defended divorce, such as a contested divorce petition or cross petition.
- Instruction of an enquiry agent if divorce papers require personal service.
- Cost of swearing an Affidavit with another firm. The fee for this should be no more than £9.00, or alternately this can be carried out at Court free of charge.
- Advice upon child residence/contact issues.
- Advice upon financial issues.
- Recovery of divorce costs should they not be paid upon first request.
If such work is necessary then it will be charged on an hourly rate basis, of £180.00 (plus VAT).
Please be assured that we will not carry out any of this additional work without first obtaining your signed agreement. We understand the importance of you being made fully aware of all costs that are being incurred and we aim to be fully open with you in our approach to costs.
If you require any further information, or would like to make an appointment for further family advice please contact our Family Department on 02380 634555 or by email at catherine.sousa@wb-legal.co.uk. We will be happy to assist you with any queries you may have.