Public Access

Our fees are subject to VAT, are agreed by negotiation at the point of instruction and before any work is undertaken on the case. Fees are based on how many hours a barrister will take to prepare your case and how long they will attend at court on your behalf. We always require payment in advance in direct access cases. In accordance with the Money Laundering regulations, we will ask you to provide proof of identity before any work is done.

Our most commonly adopted fee structures are:

• A brief fee and refresher fees. A brief fee includes preparation and the first day in court. Refresher fees refer to subsequent days in court.
• An agreed hourly rate. Hourly rates may vary according to the seniority and experience of counsel, the complexity and urgency of the case.

or

• A fixed fee.

These fee structures are applicable for barrister’s fees for attending trials / hearings, conferences and for drafting paperwork.

All of the above fee options are based upon all or a number of the following factors:

• The seriousness and complexity of the case;
• The value and importance of the case and the seniority of counsel;
• The work involved in the case and the level of preparation time required;
• The degree to which specialist knowledge is required;
• The length of the case;
• Travelling and other expenses incurred.

Timescales for work undertaken may vary depending upon factors such as barristers’ availability, the complexity of the case and the need for additional documents. However, standard instructions will normally be completed in 14 days but more complex cases requiring lengthier preparation will normally be completed within 28 days. The clerk will contact you to agree timescales in non-standard cases.

We always require payment in advance in direct access cases. In accordance with the Money Laundering regulations, we will ask you to provide proof of identity before any work is done.

For full details of our terms of business, please click here.

Examples of Fees Charged

All information is correct as of April 2024. Fees are estimates only and subject to reviewing your case papers.

For a quotation, please contact the clerks on clerks@newparkcourt.co.uk.

Financial Disputes in Divorce cases

Our barristers can advise you if you and your former partner cannot agree on financial matters during, or after, a divorce. For example, you may not be able to agree on how assets should be divided, whether to sell your home or other assets, maintenance payments, or pension sharing.

If you cannot agree, you can apply to a court for a financial order. You may need to attend a number of court hearings – our barristers can represent you in these hearings.

Timescales

Timescales for your case may vary depending on factors such as barristers’ availability, the value and complexity of your assets, whether you have children, how much you have already agreed with your former partner, and their approach. Written advice on your financial dispute will be available within two to four weeks where possible. As a guide, court hearings for a financial order tend to take six to twelve months. This does not include possible appeals.

Fees

We may charge fixed fees, which means that we will charge you a set amount of money for the work. Below we provide estimates based on the ranges of fixed fees for barristers in New Park Court Chambers where the parties have joint assets, which are worth less than £300,000. All fees exclude VAT (where applicable).

If we charge fixed fees, these may be towards the higher end of the range if you need a more experienced barrister. If you have a particularly complex case, your fees may also be higher than the estimates below. There are also likely to be additional costs for other matters not listed below. These are charged at an hourly rate of £200 – £300 plus VAT.

Stage of case ranges of fixed fees (estimates)

• Written advice on your financial dispute: £500 – £2,500
• Preparation of case, including meetings with you and assistance with drafting of any court documents Hourly rate: £200 – £300 per hour
• First appointment (first court hearing exchanging financial information): £1,000 – £1,500
• Financial dispute resolution appointment (second court hearing to reach a financial settlement): £2,000 – £4,000
• First day of final hearing (if no settlement was reached in the financial dispute resolution appointment): £2,000 – £5,000
• Court appearances per day, after the first day of the final hearing: £1,000 – £2,000

Contact Us

All information is correct as of April 2024, but fees are estimates only. For a quotation, please contact the clerks clerks@newparkcourt.co.uk Please also contact the clerks if you and your former partner have joint assets which are worth more than £300,000.

Inheritance Act Advice

The Inheritance Act 1975 protects spouses (including former spouses), cohabitants, children and other dependants when a person dies without leaving sufficient money for the dependent’s continued wellbeing. Our barristers can provide you with written advice on whether you can make a claim under the Act. Our barristers can also provide you with written advice when a person dies and you are a beneficiary of the estate, but someone else makes a claim under the Act.

Timescales

Timescales for your written advice may vary depending on factors such as barristers’ availability, the value and complexity of the deceased person’s estate, your financial needs and those of any beneficiary of the estate. However, claims under the Act must be made within six months of the grant of probate, so as a guide your written advice will be available within two to four weeks where possible.

There are also likely to be additional costs for other matters not listed below. These are charged at an hourly rate of £200-£300 plus VAT.

Written advice – Range of fixed fees

• Written advice or conference on making or defending a claim: £1,000 – £3,000
• One day final hearing: £2,000 – £3,500