OUR PRICES

Residential Conveyancing

Buying or selling a home can be a daunting experience and our team of experienced solicitors understands the stresses involved.

We aim to provide an efficient, cost effective service as we guide you through the process.

Our Team

Our team of specialist conveyancing solicitors has years of experience in dealing with conveyancing transactions, to include the purchase and sale of residential freehold and leasehold properties.

We are accredited under the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme.

Our senior partner, Robert Hanratty heads our Residential Conveyancing Department, which also consists of Sophia Nazar, Isabella Jennings and Huw Wyn Williams (Consultant Solicitor), all of whom are qualified solicitors and have considerable experience in conveyancing.

Our solicitors have experience in all aspects of conveyancing and we ensure that their knowledge stays up to date, in order to give you the best possible service.

For further details see ‘Our Team’.

Pricing

It is important that you know what our fees will be for your transaction from the outset.

Most Residential conveyancing transactions are undertaken on a fixed fee basis and details of our standard fixed fees are set out below.

Please note:

• In some circumstances, for instance where the transaction is complex, a standard fee may not be applicable. In those circumstances, we will discuss our fee with you prior to undertaking any work.

• Our standard fees could increase if during the transaction there is a new development or it becomes apparent that the complexity of the transaction necessitates additional work to be undertaken on your behalf which is outside the scope of the usual standard conveyancing procedure. We will discuss the change in fees with you and agree a way forward. Factors that may lead to an increase in cost include:

  • If a legal title is defective or part of the property is unregistered

  • If you discover building regulations or planning permission has not been obtained

  • If essential documents we have requested have not been provided

  • If there are private roads and drainage

  • If indemnity policies are required

  • If a declaration of trust is required

PURCHASE OF A FREEHOLD RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY

The total cost you will pay comprises our fees, VAT and disbursements, details of which are set out below.

Please note that Stamp Duty Land Tax (Stamp Duty) if the property is in England, or Land Transaction Tax (Land Tax) if the property you wish to buy is in Wales, may also be payable.

Our fees cover all of the work required to complete the purchase of your new home, including dealing with the registration at the land registry and dealing with the payment of Stamp Duty or Land Tax.

Our fees are calculated based on the value of the property you wish to buy.

OUR FEES

VAT

VAT has been added to the above fees at the applicable rate, which is currently 20%.

Where VAT is payable upon disbursements, a similar rate will apply.

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Land Registry fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

Typical Disbursements

These fees may be subject to change.

Additional disbursements may be required dependent upon the circumstances of your transaction. For instance, if you require a mortgage, then your mortgage company may require us to under some of the following searches, the cost of which may vary dependent upon where your property is located:

Other Disbursements

HM Land Registry Fee

The amount to be paid depends on the purchase price and whether the property is registered or unregistered. The fee can range from £20 to £1,105. Further information can be found on the HMLR website:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hm-land-registry-registration-services-fees

Stamp Duty or Land Tax (on purchase)

The amount payable depends on the purchase price of your property. You can calculate the amount you will need to pay by using HMRC’s website or if the property is located in Wales by using the Welsh Revenue Authority’s website.

EXCLUSIONS

We do not undertake tax advice.

HOW LONG WILL MY HOUSE PURCHASE TAKE?

How long it will take from your offer being accepted until you can move into your house will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between eight to twelve weeks.

If any of the following factors apply, or there are other factors that we need to take into account, then it may increase the time by a further 4-6 weeks. We will discuss this with you at the earliest opportunity so that you always have a clear picture of how long things are likely to take:

• The number of parties in the chain

• Whether you have a mortgage in place

• If you are a first time buyer

• Whether you need a lease extension for a leasehold property

Stages of the process

The precise stages involved in the purchase of a residential property vary according to the circumstances. However, below are some key stages:

• Take your instructions and give you initial advice

• Check finances are in place to fund purchase and contact lender’s solicitors if needed

• Receive and advise on contract documents

• Carry out searches

• Obtain further planning documentation if required

• Make any necessary enquiries of seller’s solicitor

• Give you advice on all documents and information received

• Go through conditions of mortgage offer with you

• Send final contract to you for signature

• Agree completion date (date from which you own the property)

• Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened

• Arrange for all monies needed to be received from lender and you

• Complete purchase

• Deal with payment of Stamp Duty/Land Tax

• Deal with application for registration at Land Registry

SALE OF A FREEHOLD RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY

The total cost you will pay comprises our fees, VAT and disbursements, details of which are set out below.

Our fees cover all of the work required to complete the sale of your home to include dealing with enquiries and redeeming any charge on your property, if necessary, out of the sale proceeds.

Our fees are calculated based on the value of the property you wish to sell.

OUR FEES

VAT

VAT has been added to the above fees at the applicable rate, which is currently 20%.

Where VAT is payable upon disbursements, a similar rate will apply.

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Land Registry fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

Typical Disbursements

These fees may be subject to change.

Additional disbursements may be required dependent upon the circumstances of your transaction.

EXCLUSIONS

We do not undertake tax advice.

HOW LONG WILL MY HOUSE SALE TAKE?

How long it will take from accepting until completion of the sale of your house will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between eight to twelve weeks.

If any of the following factors apply, or there are other factors that we need to take into account, then it may increase the time by a further 4-6 weeks. We will discuss this with you at the earliest opportunity so that you always have a clear picture of how long things are likely to take:

• The number of parties in the chain

• Whether your purchaser has an offer of a mortgage in place

Stages of the process

The precise stages involved in the purchase of a residential property vary according to the circumstances. However, below are some key stages:

• Take your instructions and give you initial advice

• Prepare and forward contract documents to the buyers solicitors

• Assist in any enquiries raised by the buyer’s solicitors

• Give you advice on all documents and information received

• Send final contract to you for signature

• Agree completion date (date that you sell the property)

• Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened

• Ascertain the extent of monies required to redeem any mortgage and pay estate agents

• Complete sale

• Redeem mortgage, if necessary, and pay and agent fees

• Account to you for the net proceeds of sale

PURCHASE OF A LEASEHOLD RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY

The total cost you will pay comprises our fees, VAT and disbursements, details of which are set out below.

Please note that Stamp Duty Land Tax (Stamp Duty) if the property is in England, or Land Transaction Tax (Land Tax) if the property you wish to buy is in Wales, may also be payable.

Our fees cover all of the work required to complete the purchase of your new home, including dealing with the registration at the land registry and dealing with the payment of Stamp Duty or Land Tax.

Our fees are calculated based on the value of the property you wish to buy. However, please note that the fee stated below assumes that:

• This is a standard transaction and that no unforeseen matters arise including for example (but not limited to) a defect in title which requires remedying prior to completion or the preparation of additional documents ancillary to the main transaction

• This is the assignment of an existing lease and is not the grant of a new lease

Our standard fees could increase if the transaction involves any of the above factors. We will discuss the change in fees with you and agree a way forward.

OUR FEES

VAT

VAT has been added to the above fees at the applicable rate, which is currently 20%.

Where VAT is payable upon disbursements, a similar rate will apply.

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Land Registry fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

Typical Disbursements

These fees may be subject to change.

Additional disbursements may be required dependent upon the circumstances of your transaction. For instance, if you require a mortgage, then your mortgage company may require us to under some of the following searches, the cost of which may vary dependent upon where your property is located:

*Notice of Transfer Fee - If chargeable, this fee is set out in the lease. Often the fee is between £100-£250 plus VAT (£120-£300 including VAT).

*Notice of Charge Fee (if the property is to be mortgaged) - This fee is set out in the lease. Often the fee is between £100 and £250 plus VAT (£120-£300 including VAT)

*Deed of Covenant Fee - This fee is provided by the management company for the property and can be difficult to estimate. Often it is between £50 and £250 plus VAT (£60-£300 including VAT)

*Certificate of Compliance Fee - To be confirmed upon receipt of the lease. This can range between £50 and £250 plus VAT (£60-£300 including VAT).

*These fees vary from property to property and can on occasion be significantly more than the ranges given above. We can give an accurate figure once we have sight of your specific documents. You should also be aware that ground rent and service charge are likely to apply throughout your ownership of the property. We will also confirm the ground rent and the anticipated service charge as soon as we receive your specific documents.

Other Disbursements

HM Land Registry Fee

The amount to be paid depends on the purchase price and whether the property is registered or unregistered. The fee can range from £20 to £1,105. Further information can be found on the HMLR website:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hm-land-registry-registration-services-fees

Stamp Duty or Land Tax (on purchase)

The amount payable depends on the purchase price of your property. You can calculate the amount you will need to pay by using HMRC’s website or if the property is located in Wales by using the Welsh Revenue Authority’s website.

EXCLUSIONS

We do not undertake tax advice.

HOW LONG WILL MY HOUSE PURCHASE TAKE?

How long it will take from your offer being accepted until you can move into your house will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between eight to twelve weeks.

If any of the following factors apply, or there are other factors that we need to take into account, then it may increase the time by a further 4-6 weeks. We will discuss this with you at the earliest opportunity so that you always have a clear picture of how long things are likely to take:

• The number of parties in the chain

• Whether you have a mortgage in place

• If you are a first time buyer

• Whether you need a lease extension (in which case the transaction may take considerably longer, between 2 and 5 months. In such a situation additional charges would apply also).

Stages of the process

The precise stages involved in the purchase of a residential property vary according to the circumstances. However, below are some key stages:

• Take your instructions and give you initial advice

• Check finances are in place to fund purchase and contact lender’s solicitors if needed

• Receive and advise on contract documents

• Carry out searches

• Obtain further planning documentation if required

• Make any necessary enquiries of seller’s solicitor

• Give you advice on all documents and information received

• Go through conditions of mortgage offer with you

• Send final contract to you for signature

• Agree completion date (date from which you own the property)

• Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened

• Arrange for all monies needed to be received from lender and you

• Complete purchase

• Deal with payment of Stamp Duty/Land Tax

• Deal with application for registration at Land Registry

SALE OF A LEASEHOLD RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY

The total cost you will pay comprises our fees, VAT and disbursements, details of which are set out below.

Our fees cover all of the work required to complete the sale of your home, including dealing with enquiries and redeeming any charge on your property, if necessary, out of the sale proceeds.

Our fees are calculated based on the value of the property you wish to sell. However, please note that the fee stated below assumes that:

• This is a standard transaction and that no unforeseen matters arise including for example (but not limited to) a defect in title which requires remedying prior to completion or the preparation of additional documents ancillary to the main transaction

• This is the assignment of an existing lease and is not the grant of a new lease

  Our standard fees could increase if the transaction involves any of the above factors. We will discuss the change in fees with you and agree a way forward.

OUR FEES

VAT

VAT has been added to the above fees at the applicable rate, which is currently 20%.

Where VAT is payable upon disbursements, a similar rate will apply.

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Land Registry fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

Typical Disbursements

These fees may be subject to change.

Additional disbursements may be required dependent upon the circumstances of your transaction.

EXCLUSIONS

We do not undertake tax advice.

HOW LONG WILL MY HOUSE SALE TAKE?

How long it will take from accepting until completion of the sale of your house will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between eight to twelve weeks.

If any of the following factors apply, or there are other factors that we need to take into account, then it may increase the time by a further 4-6 weeks. We will discuss this with you at the earliest opportunity so that you always have a clear picture of how long things are likely to take:

• The number of parties in the chain

• Whether your purchaser has an offer of a mortgage in place

Stages of the process

The precise stages involved in the purchase of a residential property vary according to the circumstances. However, below are some key stages:

• Take your instructions and give you initial advice

• Prepare and forward contract documents to the buyers solicitors

• Assist in any enquiries raised by the buyer’s solicitors

• Give you advice on all documents and information received

• Send final contract to you for signature

• Agree completion date (date that you sell the property)

• Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened

• Ascertain the extent of monies required to redeem any mortgage and pay estate agents

• Complete sale

• Redeem mortgage, if necessary, and pay and agent fees

• Account to you for the net proceeds of sale

Wills

Making a Will enables you to decide what happens to your money, property and possessions after your death.

You can choose who to appoint as Executors to administer your estate - or appoint guardians of any chhildren that you may have who are aged under eighteen at the date of your death.

If you make a Will you can also ensure that you do not pay more inheritance tax than you need to.

We aim to provide an efficient, friendly and cost effective service as we guide you through the preparation of your Will.

Our Team

Our team of specialist Will writing solicitors has years of experience in the drafting of simple and also complex Wills involving, if necessary, the creation of Trusts.

Our Senior Partner, Paul Inns, who is a STEP Registered Trust & Estate Practitioner heads our Wills & Probate department.

Wills can be drafted by either Paul Inns, Robert Hanratty, Isabella Jennings or Sophia Nazar, all of whom are qualified solicitors.

For further details see ‘Our Team’

Pricing

It is important that you know what our fees will be for your preparation of your Wills from the outset.

We offer a fixed rate for the drafting of Wills, dependent upon whether the Will is a single Will or joint Wills.

Please note that in the event of a lengthy or complex Will the above fixed rate will not apply. If the fixed fee does not apply, we will notify you of this prior to drafting your Will(s). We will discuss the change in fees with you and agree a way forward.

VAT

VAT has been added to the above fees at the applicable rate, which is currently 20%.

Lasting Powers of Attorney

A Lasting power of attorney is a legal document that enables you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf should there come a time when you are no longer to do so. This way you can ensure you have control over your own future and reduce the difficulties faced by your loved ones.

A lasting power of attorney (LPA) enables you, the “donor”, to choose one or more people, the “attorneys”, to manage your affairs. It is a completely separate legal document to your will.

An attorney is someone that you trust to make decisions on your behalf should you lack the mental capacity or ability to do it yourself in the future. Contrary to popular belief, that responsibility does not automatically fall to your next-of-kin.

A lasting power of attorney enables you to:

• Plan for your future, whatever happens

• Protect yourself and your family members financially

• Reduce family conflict by clearly stating your wishes regarding your health and finances

LPA’s must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. It costs £82 for you to register each LPA unless you are entitled to a reduction or exemption.

There are two types of power of attorney, covering two distinct issues - Property & Finance and also Health & Welfare. You can choose to make one type or both. If both, you will have to fill out two separate forms.

We aim to provide an efficient, friendly and cost effective service as we guide you through the preparation and registration of your Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Our Team

Our Senior Partner, Paul Inns, who is a STEP Registered Trust & Estate Practitioner heads our Wills & Probate department which includes the preparation and registration of Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Lasting Powers of Attorney can be prepared and registered by either Paul Inns or Isabella Jennings, both of whom are qualified solicitors.

For further details see ‘Our Team’

Pricing

It is important that you know what our fees will be for your preparation and registration of Lasting Powers of Attorney from the outset.

We offer a fixed rate for the preparation and registration of Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Please note a registration fee of £82 is payable upon registering each Lasting Power of Attorney - unless you are eligible for a fee exemption, the test for which is based upon your means.

VAT

VAT has been added to the above fees at the applicable rate, which is currently 20%.

Probate

When a person dies, those left behind often feel overwhelmed and confused when faced with the task of dealing with the legal issues that arise.

Depending on the extent of the estate and/or the nature of the assets that comprise the estate, an application for a Grant of Representation may be necessary.

If no Will exists, the intestacy rules will need to be considered to establish who has a right to apply for a Grant of Representation and as to how the estate should be administered.

There may be inheritance tax issues or disputes concerning the estate that need to be resolved.

We aim to provide an efficient, friendly and cost effective service as we guide you through the process of applying for a Grant of Representation and assist you in administering the estate.

Our Team

Our Senior Partner, Paul Inns, who is a STEP Registered Trust & Estate Practitioner heads our Wills & Probate department which consists of Robert Hanratty & Isabella Jennings, both of whom are qualified solicitors.

For further details see ‘Our Team’

Pricing

The fees involved in a probate matter can vary considerably and much depends on the particular circumstances of the estate involved. For example, if there is one beneficiary and no property, costs will be lower than if there are multiple beneficiaries, a property and multiple bank accounts.

For that reason we base our charges on our hourly rates - see our charge rates for further details.

At the outset of the matter we will provide you with an estimate of our likely fees, which will take into account the following factors:

• Whether or not there is a valid Will

• Whether or not any executors have died or refuse to act

• The number of properties and their values

• The number of other assets and their values

• Whether there are any complex assets

• Whether there is any inheritance tax payable

• The number of beneficiaries

• Whether any beneficiaries do not have capacity under the Mental Health Act or are minors

• Whether there are any missing beneficiaries

• Whether there are any disputes between beneficiaries on the division of assets. If disputes arise this will lead to an increase of costs

• The prospect of any claims against the Estate

• Whether there are any Trusts in the Will

Please note that if any of the above factors arise during the administration of the Estate that is likely to lead to an increase in costs. If we need to revise our costs estimate we will notify you as soon as possible.

As an example you may find the following helpful:

• Where a Will exists appointing an Executor or Executors who are willing to act in that capacity; and the estate comprises a property and bank accounts but no shares; and there are is no requirement to complete a full inheritance tax account; and there is a need to obtain a Grant of Probate then our fees are likely to be in the region of £1,500 to £2,500 plus VAT (£1,800 to £3,000 including VAT). There will also be a need to pay disbursements.

• Where a Will exists appointing an Executor or Executors who are willing to act in that capacity; and the estate comprises a property and bank accounts and shares; and there are is a requirement to complete a full inheritance tax account and to pay inheritance tax; and there is a need to obtain a Grant of Probate then our fees are likely to be in the region of £2,500 to £5,500 plus VAT (£3,000 to £5,000 including VAT). There will also be a need to pay disbursements.

Please note:

• We do not charge a percentage of the estate in addition to our charge rates.

• We do not charge enhanced rate simply because we are appointed as Executors in person

VAT

VAT has been added to the above fees at the applicable rate, which is currently 20%.

Where VAT is payable upon disbursements, a similar rate will apply.

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Land Registry fees or Probate fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

Typical Disbursements

Other Disbursements

HM Land Registry Fee

The amount to be paid depends on the purchase price and whether the property is registered or unregistered. The fee can range from £20 to £1,105. Further information can be found on the HMLR website:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hm-land-registry-registration-services-fees

Share Registration Fees

If the Estate comprises shares, disbursements may be incurred in relation to the sale of those shares and the need to obtain replacement share certificates if all original share certificates cannot be located.

Please note that we generally instruct share agents to sell shares on our behalf, who will raise a fee for doing so. The cost of our share agents depends on the number of shareholdings and the value of those share holdings.

Re-Sealing Charges

If an estate comprises foreign assets there may be a need to re-seal the Grant of Probate in the country in which those assets are held.

Inheritance Tax

There are various factors that will affect any Inheritance Tax due on an estate, including the size of the estate and any measures that were put in place by the deceased to limit the estates tax liability.

We do not believe that it would be sensible to attempt to provide at this stage an estimate of any tax that may be payable. We would advise you to look on the HMRC Website to calculate Inheritance Tax which may be due. The calculators can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hmrc-tools-and-calculators#inheritance-tax-and-bereavement

Potential Additional Costs

If the estate involves the creation or winding up of a trust, or a change of Trustees, this will incur additional charges and we will have a discussion with you about these additional costs and your options once the circumstances of the trust have been investigated.

Exclusions

The following are not included in our costs estimate:

• The cost of selling a property comprised in the estate

• The cost of registering a Trust created by a Will, with HMRC

• The cost of completion of income tax returns

• Completion of any Capital Gains Tax submissions

• The cost of resealing a Grant of Probate in a foreign jurisdiction

If the need arises, we can provide with details of our costs for undertaking the above work.

Third Party Services

Additional services that will require the assistance of a third party at additional cost include:

• Specialist tax  and accountancy advice

• Valuations for property, investments or other assets

• Property Clearance

• Certain services involving foreign assets

• Selling/Transferring of Shares

• Agents instructed to reseal a Grant of Probate in a foreign jurisdiction

Time Scales

On average, estates which are not subject to inheritance tax usually takes between 6-12 months to conclude - depending on complexity.

If an estate is subject to inheritance tax, it is more usual for the process to take between 12 and 18 months.

These timescales depend largely on whether there is a property to sell, whether or not there are stock-based investments in the estate which have an impact on the estate’s tax returns, and the length of time it takes for HMRC and the DWP to respond to correspondence.

Please note that it currently takes the Probate Registry 16 weeks to deal with straight forward applications for a Grant of Representation. If the application is not straight forward then it may take the Probate Registry many months to deal with the application, which can have a significant impact upon the above time scales.

Stages of the process

The precise stages involved in the administration of an Estate vary according to the circumstances. However, below are some key stages:

• Take your initial instructions and provide initial advice

• Identifying the legally appointed executors, administrators and beneficiaries

• Accurately identifying the type of Probate application you will require

• Identifying assets, liabilities and other relevant information required to make the application

• Preparing an Inheritance Tax Account (if necessary)

• Preparing the Probate Application

• Submitting the application to the Probate Registry

• Obtaining the Grant of Representation (Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration)

• Placing Statutory Notices (if required)

• Collecting in the assets and paying any liabilities that may exist

• Preparing Estate Accounts for approval

• Distributing the estate

Motoring Offences (Summary Only Offences)

Attending Court can often be a daunting and stressful experience. The fear of losing your licence, and with that your employment, can be overwhelming.

Our team of experienced solicitors will give you honest advice about your case and will represent you to the best of our ability.

Our Team

Our Senior Partner, Robert Hanratty heads our Crime department which includes the representation of clients at the police station as well as in both the Magistrates Court and the Crown Court.

Magistrates Court representation is provided by Robert Hanratty, Paul Inns or Huw Wyn Williams, all of whom are qualified solicitors with considerable experience of representing clients upon motoring offences in the Magistrates Court.

For further details see ‘Our Team’

Pricing

It is important that you know what our fees will be for representing you before the Magistrates Court in connection with motoring matters.

We are pleased to offer fixed fees for representation - provided the case is a summary only offence and either dealt with in Welshpool Magistrates Court or via CVP link with another Magistrates Court. This covers offences such as drink driving, no insurance, driving without due care and attention and speeding. If in doubt, please contact us to enquire whether your matter falls within this definition.

Guilty Plea - £250 plus VAT (£50) together £300

Fee includes:

• Up to 2 hours attendance/preparation:

  • considering evidence

  • taking your instructions

  • providing advice on plea and likely sentence (or otherwise if we cannot anticipate the likely sentence, advise on the options available to the court in relation to sentencing)

  • Where appropriate, advice on whether an exceptional hardship or special reasons argument should be made

• Attendance and representation at a single hearing at the Magistrates Court

The fee does not include:

• instruction of any expert witnesses

• taking statements from any witnesses

• representation and assistance in relation to a special reasons hearing or exceptional hardship hearing

• advice or assistance in relation to any appeal

Stages of the Process

The key stages of your matter are based on the presumption that you enter a guilty plea at your hearing and that you have a date for your hearing.

• Meet with your solicitor to provide instructions on what happened.

• We will consider initial disclosure, and any other evidence and provide advice.

• Arranging to take any witness statements if necessary (this will have an additional cost to be charged in accordance with our charge rates below).

• We will explain the court procedure to you so you know what to expect on the day of your hearing, and the sentencing options available to the court.

• We will conduct any further preparatory work, obtain further instructions from you if necessary and answer any follow up queries you have.

• We cannot provide a timescale of when your hearing will take place, as this depends on the court listing for that day.

• We will attend court on the day either in person or via CVP.

• We will meet with you before going before the court. We anticipate being at court for 1-3 hours - but this may be longer depending on the number of cases being dealt with by the Court on that day.

• We will discuss the outcome with you. If advice is required on appeal, this will carry an additional cost.

  
  

Not Guilty plea (Trial/Contested Hearings) - £1500 to £2000 plus VAT (£300 to £400) together £1800 - £2400

Fee includes:

• Any necessary attendance/preparation (usually up to 4 hours in total)

  • considering evidence

  • taking your instructions

  • taking statements from nay witnesses

  • providing advice on plea and likely sentence (or otherwise if we cannot anticipate the likely sentence, advise on the options available to the court in relation to sentencing)

  • Where appropriate, advice on whether an exceptional hardship or special reasons argument should be made

• Attendance and representation upon any necessary court hearings up to and including representing you upon your trial at the Magistrates Court (usually up to 6 hours in total)

The fee does not include:

• the obtaining of any necessary expert report - we will obtain a quote and your formal authority prior to the instruction of any expert witness

• advice and assistance in relation to a special reasons hearing or exceptional hardship

• advice or assistance in relation to any appeal

Stages of the Process

The key stages of your matter are based on the presumption that you have entered a not guilty plea and have a date for your trial.

• Meet with your solicitor to provide instructions on what happened.

• We will consider initial disclosure, and any other evidence and provide advice.

• Arranging to take any witness statements if necessary.

• Arranging to instruct any necessary expert - subject to your authority to do so and your agreement to bear the cost of instruction.

• We will explain the court procedure to you so you know what to expect on the day of your trial, and the sentencing options available to the court.

• We will conduct any further preparatory work, obtain further instructions from you if necessary and answer any follow up queries you have.

• We cannot provide a timescale of when your hearing will take place, as this depends on the court listing for that day.

• We will attend court on the day your trial.

• We will meet with you before going before the court. Your trial is likely to last any where between 2-6 hours depending on the issues to be considered, the type of evidence placed before the court and the number of witnesses giving evidence.

• We will discuss the outcome of the trial with you and represent you upon the sentencing hearing if necessary.

• We will provide advice on appeal, but if you wish to appeal this will carry an additional cost.

Exceptional Hardship Contested Hearing - £600 plus VAT (£120) together £720

Drivers who attract 12 or more points over a 3 year period can be disqualified from driving for up to 6 months under the “totting up” provisions UNLESS they can show that being disqualified from driving would cause them exceptional hardship

An exceptional hardship argument can only be presented once in every three year period and you may not rely upon the same grounds of exceptional hardship more than once.  The fact that you will lose your job if you can no longer drive is not itself sufficient to fulfil the exceptional hardship test

Cases of exceptional hardship are considered on a case by case basis.  Exceptional hardship does not mean that you will lose your job, although the argument may be stronger if you may become bankrupt or default on mortgage payments as a result. 

In an exceptional hardship argument, Magistrates are obliged to consider the effects of a period of disqualification on third parties.  These could be family members who require you to keep your licence to ensure they can attend critical medical appointments or employees who will lose their jobs if you are unable to drive.

If the argument for exceptional hardship is successful, the Magistrates can either reduce the mandatory period of disqualification or make no disqualification at all. 

Fee includes:

• Any necessary attendance/preparation (usually up to 2 hours in total)

  • considering evidence

  • taking your instructions

  • taking statements from any witnesses

• Attendance and representation upon the exceptional hardship hearing at the Magistrates Court (usually up to 2 hours in total)

The fee does not include:

• the obtaining of any necessary expert report - we will obtain a quote and your formal authority prior to the instruction of any expert witness

• advice or assistance in relation to any appeal

Stages of the Process

The key stages of your matter are based on the presumption that you have entered a guilty plea previously and have a date for your exceptional hardship hearing.

• Meet with your solicitor to provide instructions on what happened.

• We will consider initial disclosure, and any other evidence and provide advice.

• Arranging to take any witness statements if necessary.

• Arranging to instruct any necessary expert - subject to your authority to do so and your agreement to bear the cost of instruction.

• We will explain the court procedure to you so you know what to expect on the day of your exceptional hardship hearing, and the sentencing options available to the court.

• We will conduct any further preparatory work, obtain further instructions from you if necessary and answer any follow up queries you have.

• We cannot provide a timescale of when your hearing will take place, as this depends on the court listing for that day.

• We will attend court on the day of your exceptional hardship hearing.

• We will meet with you before going before the court. Your exceptional hardship hearing is likely to last any where between 1-2 hours depending on the issues to be considered, the type of evidence placed before the court and the number of witnesses giving evidence.

• We will discuss the outcome of the exceptional hardship hearing with you

• We will provide advice on appeal, but if you wish to appeal this will carry an additional cost.

VAT

VAT has been added to the above fees at the applicable rate, which is currently 20%.

Where VAT is payable upon disbursements, a similar rate will apply.

Disbursements

Expert Reports

Depending on the circumstances of your case, there may be a need to instruct an expert to prepare a report.

The cost of that report will be determined by the issues to be addressed and the volume of papers to be considered.

We will obtain a quote from any expert to which we will obtain your formal authority before the expert is instructed.

As a guide:

• In drink drive/drug driving cases, an expert report may be required at a cost of approximately £150 + VAT (£30) in total £180

• If a medical report is required, the cost will be approximately £400 to £500 + VAT (£80 to £100) in total £480 to £600.

Travel Expenses

Mileage allowance is charged at £0.45 plus VAT (£0.09) in total £0.54 per mile

Employment Tribunal for Employees

Disputes with your employer can be stressful and overwhelming. It is important that you are aware of your rights and how to enforce your rights. If you believe that you have been unfairly dismissed from your job, it is essential that you obtain clear and concise advice about your rights - and the amount of any compensation that you could be entitled to - as soon as possible as there are strict time limits if you wish to commence a claim in the Employment Tribunal.

Our Team

Our Senior Partner, Robert Hanratty, who has considerable experience in pursuing claims to the Employment Tribunal, heads our Employment Law Department.

Robert Hanratty generally undertakes all advocacy in connection with a claim to an Employment Tribunal. However, on occasion it may be necessary to represent a barrister to represent you. If that is deemed necessary, we will advise you and assist you in choosing a barrister with the necessary experience to represent you.

For further details see ‘Our Team’.

Pricing

We strive to be completely transparent as regards our pricing.

We will advise you as regards your funding options and whether you may have legal expenses insurance which could indemnify your legal expenses - subject to the conditions of that insurance policy.

We will provide you with a range of estimates and keep you updated on costs at all times.

Our fees for bringing claims for unfair dismissal and wrongful dismissal are set out below - and we will advise you as to whether your case is simple, medium complexity or highly complex at the outset.

In deciding which category your case falls within, we take into account a number of different factors. Factors that could make acase more complex:

• If it is necessary to make or defend applications to amend claims or to provide further information about an existing claim

• Making or defending a costs application

• The number of witnesses and documents

• If it is an automatic unfair dismissal claim eg. if you are dismissed after blowing the whistle on your employer

• Allegations of discrimination which are linked to the dismissal

If your case requires additional days at Tribunal, those additional days will be charged at £1,250 plus VAT (£1,500 including VAT).

We charge based on an hourly rate which varies depending on the member of staff dealing with your matter. For further details see our Charge Rates .

VAT

VAT has been added to the above fees at the applicable rate, which is currently 20%.

Where VAT is payable upon disbursements, a similar rate will apply.

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Land Registry fees or Probate fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

It may be necessary to instruct a barrister to represent you upon at the final tribunal hearing. Should that become necessary we will advise you and discuss which barrister to instruct on your behalf. We will obtain a quote of that barrister’s fees prior for you to approve prior to the formal instruction of the barrister. Barrister’s fees vary according to the experience of the barrister, but in general terms a barrister’s fees are estimated to be between £2,000 to £2,500 per day excluding VAT, charged at 20% for attending a Tribunal Hearing (including preparation).

Key Stages

The fees set out above cover all of the work in relation to the following key stages of a claim:

• Taking your initial instructions, reviewing the papers and advising you on merits and likely compensation (this is likely to be revisited throughout the matter and subject to change)

• Entering into pre-claim conciliation where this is mandatory to explore whether a settlement can be reached;

• Preparing claim or response

• Reviewing and advising on claim or response from other party

• Exploring settlement and negotiating settlement throughout the process

• preparing or considering a schedule of loss

• Preparing for (and attending) a Preliminary Hearing

• Exchanging documents with the other party and agreeing a bundle of documents

• Taking witness statements, drafting statements and agreeing their content with witnesses

• preparing bundle of documents

• Reviewing and advising on the other party's witness statements

• agreeing a list of issues, a chronology and/or cast list

• Preparation and attendance at Final Hearing, including instructions to Counsel if necessary

• If your claim is successful, the tribunal will normally advise you of the amount to be awarded to you; We will advise you as to whether there are any grounds to appeal that award - or - in the event that your claim is unsuccessful, we will advise you whether there are any grounds for appealing that decision.

The stages set out above are an indication and if some of stages above are not required, the fee will be reduced. You may wish to handle the claim yourself and only have our advice in relation to some of the stages. This can also be arranged on your individual needs and we will advise you of our fees at that time.

Exclusions

The following are not included in our cost estimate:

• An appeal against the amount of the award

• An appeal against the decision of the Tribunal to reject your claim

Time Scales

The time that it takes from taking your initial instructions to the final resolution of your matter depends largely on the stage at which your case is resolved. If a settlement is reached during pre-claim conciliation, your case is likely to take 12-24 months. If your claim proceeds to a Final Hearing, your case is likely to take 4-6 weeks. This is just an estimate and we will of course be able to give you a more accurate timescale once we have more information and as the matter progresses.

Debt Recovery

We are able to able to provide a cost effective service to assist individuals and businesses to recover monies that they are owed.

Our Team

Our Senior Partner, Robert Hanratty heads our Debt Recovery department.

Robert Hanratty has considerable experience in debt recovery and litigation generally.

For further details see ‘Our Team’

Pricing

We set out the process of recovering monies below - together with the fixed fees that we are able to offer in relation to uncontested debt claims.

If during the debt recovery process your claim becomes disputed, or if there is a need to seek enforcement of a judgement that has been obtained on your behalf, we will discuss the best way forward with you and advise you of the cost implications.

Letter Before Action

When we are in receipt of instructions from you we will send a a letter before action to the business or person that owes you money. If that person fails to respond ,we will send a follow up letter. Thereafter we will advise you on the next steps and the likely costs.

£120 plus VAT (£144 including VAT)

Starting a Court Claim

Generally, a letter before action is sufficient to prompt payment of any monies owed to you. However, if that is unsuccessful, or if the claim is disputed, we will advise you as regards commencing court proceedings, to include the procedure and cost implications. If you decide that you wish to commence court proceedings to recover the monies owed to you, our fees to commence court proceedings and the necessary court fee, are set out below (please note that you may be exempt from paying the court fee if you are in receipt of certain benefits or are on a low income):

Please note:

• The Court fee may be subject to change

• For businesses, the VAT element of our fee cannot be reclaimed from the person who owes you money

• Interest and compensation (for businesses) may take the debt into a higher banding, with a higher cost

• You are entitled to claim interest on the amount of monies owed to you. The current county court interest rate is 8%. Interest is added to the amount of your claim.

• You are only able to recover the Court Fee and some costs from the person who owed you money - if you are successful in your claim. The costs you are allowed to recover will only be a proportion of our charges - not all. Please note that there is no guarantee that you will be successful in your claim or that the person who owes you money has the resources to pay those monies to you.

• You will need to pay the Court fees in advance as well as a sum to cover our charges.

Disbursements

Prior to the commencement of proceedings, there may be a need to undertake searches in order to ascertain whether the person who owes you money has other debts or owns any assets, such as property.

We will discuss which searches may be necessary and the cost of those searches, at the relevant time.

Typical searches which may be undertaken include the following:

VAT

VAT has been added to the above fees at the applicable rate, which is currently 20%.

Exclusions

The above fixed charges apply in the specific circumstances as outlined.

However, please note that additional costs may be incurred if the person who owes you money fails to pay you that money. This may occur despite you obtaining a judgement against that person. In that event there will be additional costs if you decide to commence enforcement action. This could be by way of instructing a bailiff to enforce the judgement or taking other enforcement action, depending on the circumstances. We will discuss with you the additional costs and court fees that will be involved before any enforcement action is undertaken.

Time Scales

Generally, a typical debt recovery will take between 6-8 weeks, from the date that we receive instructions from you until such time as you receive payment.

However, this may take longer if the person who owes you money fails to enter into correspondence; or delays making payment; or whether it is necessary to commence court proceedings.

If enforcement action is required, this too will increase the time scale.

Charge Rates

Unless subject to a fixed fee our charges are based on the time we spend dealing with your matter.

Time spent on your matter will include meetings with you and perhaps others; travelling; considering, preparing and working on papers; correspondence via letter and email; and making and receiving telephone calls.

Our charge rates are set out below.

We review our charge rates on 1 April each year.

We will add VAT to our charge rates at the rate applicable to the date that the work is undertaken.

The applicable rate for VAT is 20%.

Attending upon You or Others

Preparation

Advocacy

Travelling

Waiting

Letters/Emails Written & Telephone Calls Made or Received (Routine)

Letters/Emails Received (Routine)

Travel Expenses