What it costs

We accept payment by cash, cheque, card or bank transfer. Please contact our Cashier, Carolanne Houston, if you want further information.

Private client fees

Unless you qualify for legal aid or assistance from the Scottish Legal Aid Board, then you will require to pay your own legal fees and expenses. We think it is important for you to know what our work for you will cost and to be able to factor that in to your decisions as to how to proceed. We will send you interim accounts every three months or so.

Sometimes, costs can be high. It is up to you to decide if the costs are worth it. We think money is well spent if:

• it means that the arrangements for your children can be sorted out quickly and amicably
• it means you can keep your house, or your pension
• it means that you get a fair financial settlement
• it means that you can agree matters arising from your separation in a dignified and reasonable manner
• it prevents your partner being threatening or unreasonable
• it relieves you of stress and worry.

We believe that, as your lawyers, we should make things as easy and as cost-effective for you as we can. We will work with you in an honest and straightforward way. We will be open and upfront about costs. In return, we require that you are honest with us about your circumstances and that you make payment of your costs as and when agreed.

Our private client rate is £55.00 per quarter hour plus vat. That is charged on the basis of time spent with you or working exclusively on your case. In some cases, we can agree a specific fee for a particular piece of work, or a particular payment arrangement. Just ask us.

First interview fixed fee – £90

You might just want one meeting to get some information and legal advice. In that case, we can offer a fixed fee of £90. Just let us know when arranging your appointment. That fee includes VAT and is payable before the meeting.

During our meeting, we will

• obtain details of your situation
• identify what you want to achieve
• discuss possible solutions and strategies; and
• suggest various ways forward for you.

If you decide that you need ongoing legal advice and want us to act as your solicitors, then we will discuss with you what steps you and we will take next. We will discuss with you the various options for payment of your ongoing legal expenses.

Legal Aid

Many lawyers do not provide legal aid any more. We do. We believe that it is important for everyone to have access to good legal advice for things which affect them and their families.

There are two types of legal aid – advice and assistance for non-court work, and civil legal aid for court work. If you want to find out if you are eligible before we meet, you can refer to the calculator on the Scottish Legal Aid Board website at www.slab.org.uk. That will also tell you if you will have to pay a contribution towards your legal expenses. We can discuss this with you in more detail when we meet.

If you want to apply for legal aid, you will need to bring with you to your first meeting:

• proof of your present income; and
• most recent statements for each of your bank, building society or post office accounts; and
• details of any other capital you have; and
• proof of your identity (passport or driving licence)

There are situations where you may have to repay your legal expenses to the Scottish Legal Aid Board, specifically if the Board consider that you have recovered or preserved property.