When you use legal services for your divorce, there will nearly always be fees to pay. In this guide, we’ll cover all the essentials you need to know about paying for a divorce solicitor.  

 

What do divorce solicitors charge for? 

 

In many cases, divorce lawyers will give you an initial consultation for free.  

For example, at Liverpool divorce solicitors Tracey Miller Family Law, we offer a completely free of charge initial meeting. During this no-obligation consultation, which has no time limit, we’ll talk through your circumstances and some of the details of your case. We’ll also explain how our fee system works, and give you an estimate of how much the costs are likely to be.

  

After this first meeting, your solicitor may charge a fixed fee to handle the divorce (or a part of it, like the legal paperwork) or they may charge by the hour. It’s also possible that you’ll pay a fixed fee for pre-agreed work, then an hourly rate for any additional work. This can happen if a seemingly simple divorce turns out to be more complex.  

 

These fees cover managing divorce paperwork, providing legal advice and support, negotiating with your ex-spouse and guiding you through the process.  

 

When do I pay divorce legal fees? 

 

Your divorce solicitor will explain at your initial consultation how and when fees are to be paid. In some cases, the fee (or a portion of it) will be due upfront. Otherwise, you’ll be billed later on depending on how much time has been spent working on your case.  

 

However, some law firms will allow you to pay your fees from your financial settlement, once the divorce is finalised.  

 

What payment methods are accepted?  

 

It varies from firm to firm, but here at Tracey Miller Family Law we accept all major credit and debit cards for easy, convenient payment.  

 

Can I apply for legal aid?  

 

Unfortunately, legal aid (financial assistance with your legal bills) is no longer available for divorce costs in England and Wales. However, there are a few exceptions. You may be eligible to claim it if there’s been domestic abuse, violence or child abduction. It’s also available for mediation costs, although it is means-tested.  

 

You can check whether you’ll be eligible for legal aid on the Government’s website.  

 

Other options if you can’t afford upfront solicitor’s fees 

 

If you’re struggling to afford your legal fees, don’t panic. There are other potential routes available, such as: 

·        Applying for a court order requiring your ex-partner to pay your fees. There are costs associated with this, and you’ll need to be able to show you’ve explored every other option. The fee amount paid will also be taken into account when working out a financial settlement.  

·        Borrowing from family or friends. 

·        A 0% interest credit card or personal loan. 

·        Divorce or dissolution loan – not many firms offer these very specific loans, but some do. 

·        Your home insurance policy – if it covers legal expenses. 

 

Here at Liverpool divorce lawyers Tracey Miller Family Law, we’re open and transparent about our fees. Give us a call on 0151 515 3036 or 07795 060 211 and we’ll be happy to answer all your questions.  

 

And if you’re ready, you can also book your free initial consultation.