Legal aid and private fees

Legal aid

Not all solicitors undertake Legal Aid cases. At emeryjohnson we would like to be more inclusive and represent a wider spectrum of families than this exclusion would allow. However, due to changes pending to the way in which Legal Aid is granted, we may need to limit our Legal Aid case load.

There are two main categories of Legal Aid. Legal Help, covers initial advice and assistance and Public Funding Certificates, for further work and court proceedings. emeryjohnson works to achieve all excellence standards set to show dedication to the Legal Aid system.

It is a common misconception that Legal Aid is free. This is not necessarily true, particularly in matrimonial cases. The Legal Services Commission may recover the cost of assistance from your settlement or it can defer recovery by placing a charge on your home or other property.

Your emeryjohnson solicitor will be able to tell you if you are eligible for Legal Aid based on your income and expenditure. She can provide preliminary advice under Legal Help if your means justify it and will let you know whether she can take your case. If so, she will provide you with the necessary forms to apply for Legal Aid. She can then provide you with clear on going advice in relation to the aspects of the scheme that apply to you from the outset of your case.

If your spouse is legally aided and you are not, you are unlikely to recover your legal costs as would be usual should you win your case.

Private funding

You may not qualify for legal aid or emeryjohnson Solicitors may not be able to take your case on a Legal Aid basis. Instead we will advise you of the private rates which apply. Generally, the more senior and experienced your solicitor, the higher the hourly rate for their services.

At the outset, we will provide you with an estimated cost for your case so that you know what to expect. Unlike other solicitors, we will not ask you to deposit this entire amount with us but will discuss with you fair and manageable financial arrangements for covering your fees.

Fixed Fee Divorce

emeryjohnson offers a clear fixed fee price for straight forward divorce cases. The rate for a Partner is £500 (plus VAT & Disbursements), a senior solicitor £450 (plus VAT & Disbursements) and for a junior solicitor £400 (plus VAT & Disbursements). Please call to discuss all of your available options.