Our Fees

Divorce or Dissolution of Civil Partnership Costs

Divorce costs are dependent on the circumstances of the case and the approach required.

Divorce / Dissolution of civil partnership proceedings

In every divorce/dissolution of civil partnership case, there are additional court fees to pay. These are currently £593 to make the application , which includes the fee for applying for the interim divorce/dissolution of civil partnership order (called the conditional order) and the final order finalising the divorce/dissolution of civil partnership.

Finances and Children

Separation, divorce and dissolution of civil partnership will often throw up complex issues in relation to the splitting of finances and arrangements for the children and you are advised to get professional legal advice.

If both parties can agree on how to separate their financial resources and the arrangements for the children it is unlikely you will need to go to court and this is likely to reduce the overall costs of your case. Instead, your lawyer will ensure your agreement is a legally-binding document that meets with the court’s approval.

Going to court

If agreement is not possible further costs will accumulate if a court hearing is required, including barrister costs, court fees and any other third-party services required to provide valuations or evidence for the hearing.

Legal Aid for Family Law Cases

Understanding Legal Aid Eligibility for Family Law Cases in England and Wales

Navigating family law issues can be stressful, and the financial burden of legal fees adds an additional layer of complexity. Legal Aid may be available to help cover the cost of legal advice or representation in certain family law cases. At Signature Law, we can help you determine your eligibility and guide you through the application process.

What Is Legal Aid?

Legal Aid provides financial assistance to individuals who cannot afford legal costs. In family law, Legal Aid is available for cases involving:

• Domestic abuse or child abuse
• Care proceedings initiated by the local authority
• Child arrangement disputes (e.g., custody or visitation rights) where safety concerns exist
• Divorce or separation in cases of domestic abuse
• Forced marriage protection
• Child abduction cases

Legal Aid is not universally available and is subject to strict eligibility criteria, which consider both the type of case and the applicant’s financial circumstances.

Am I Eligible for Legal Aid in Family Law?

To qualify for Legal Aid in England and Wales, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Your Case Must Be Eligible

Legal Aid is generally limited to family law cases where there is evidence of:

• Domestic abuse
• Child protection concerns
• Urgent or significant harm risks
• Public law proceedings (e.g., care or adoption cases)

Cases such as divorce or financial disputes unrelated to abuse are not typically covered.

2. Your Financial Circumstances Must Qualify

Your income, savings, and assets are assessed to determine financial eligibility. You will need to provide evidence such as:

• Recent payslips or proof of benefits
• Bank statements
• Details of any savings or property
• Evidence of any vehicles owned

There are specific thresholds for disposable income and capital. If you exceed these limits, you will not qualify for Legal Aid.

3. Evidence Requirements

For cases involving domestic abuse or child abuse, you must provide evidence such as:

• Police reports
• Medical records
• Court protection orders
• Social services documentation
• Evidence from a refuge/domestic violence advocate/letter from your GP

FAQs

Probate Fees at Signature Law

Losing a loved one is never easy, and handling their estate can feel overwhelming. At Signature Law, our experienced Estate Administration Team is here to support you every step of the way. We offer clear, transparent pricing and tailored services to make the process as smooth as possible.

Free Initial Consultation

We start with a Fixed Fee consultation at £150+VAT (20%) to discuss your responsibilities as an executor, the estate’s details, and the likely costs involved. This is your chance to ask questions and understand how we can help.

Our Services & Fees

1. Grant of Probate – Fixed Fee Service

If you only need help obtaining the Grant of Probate, we offer a fixed-fee service. The fee depends on the estate’s tax position:

Estate Type	Fee
Estates valued below the Nil Rate Band	£1,500 + 20% VAT
Estates involving a transferable Nil Rate Band claim	£2,000 + 20% VAT
Estates requiring submission of an IHT400 to HMRC	£3,000 + 20% VAT
Estates involving a Residence Nil Rate Band claim	£3,500 + 20% VAT

Additional Costs:

• Probate Registry Fee: £300
• Additional copies of the Grant: £1.50 per copy

2. Full Estate Administration Service

For many clients, having our team handle the entire estate administration process provides peace of mind. Each estate is unique, and our fees reflect its complexity.

What’s Included:

• Reviewing and interpreting the Will
• Identifying and valuing estate assets
• Settling Inheritance Tax and other tax liabilities
• Applying for the Grant of Probate
• Collecting and transferring assets to beneficiaries
• Selling estate properties
• Preparing detailed estate accounts
• Advising executors on their legal responsibilities
• Preparing Deeds of Variation (if needed)

Costs:

• Our fees typically range between £8,000 and £10,000 + 20% VAT, depending on the estate’s complexity.
• We’ll provide a clear estimate upfront and keep you updated throughout the process.

Examples of Complexity:

• Simple estate: One property, one bank account, and a sole beneficiary.
• Complex estate: Multiple properties, overseas assets, a business, or unknown beneficiaries.

Additional Expenses (Disbursements)

You may also need to cover the following:

Expense	Cost
Probate Registry Fee	£300
Bankruptcy Search (per beneficiary)	£7.80
Statutory Notices	£300

Note: These disbursements are standard and not subject to VAT.

Timescales & Team

• A full estate administration typically takes 6 to 9 months.
• You’ll be assigned a dedicated probate solicitor who will manage your case.
• Our lawyers’ hourly rates range from £150 to £350 + 20% VAT.

Why Choose Signature Law?

• Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees—we provide clear estimates and regular updates.
• Expert Guidance: Our team has extensive experience in estate administration.
• Tailored Service: We adapt our approach to meet your specific needs.

– Residential Conveyancing Pricing

The prices referred to below are estimates of our fees for a standard, straightforward purchase or sale and assumes your property is already registered with the Land Registry. Our fees cover all of the work required to complete the sale or purchase of your new home, including dealing with registration at the Land Registry and dealing with the payment of 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.

If unforeseen matters are arising additional fees may be incurred, including for example (but not limited to):

• a defect in title which requires remedying before completion of 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
• The transaction is concluded promptly and no unforeseen complication arises
• All parties to the transaction are cooperative and there is no unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation
• No indemnity policies are required. Additional disbursements may apply if indemnity policies are required

Purchase Prices Fees Range

Purchase Transactions (£)	Fee Ex Vat
0 to 100,000	800
100,001 to 200,000	900
200,001 to 300,000	1,000
300,001 to 400,000	1,050
400,001 to 500,000	1,150
500,001 to 600,000	1,250
600,001 to 700,000	1,350
700,001 to 800,000	1,450
800,001 to 900,000	1,650
900,001 to 1,000,000	1,950

Please note the above range prices are just a guide and you will receive a quote upon taking your instructions.

Additional Costs

For example;

Fee for completion of stamp duty forms of £100.00 +VAT

Bank transfer fee £35.00 +VAT

Disbursements (expenses)

There will be additional expenses that generally will apply as follows:

• Stamp duty, where applicable, will also be payable.

You may calculate the sum due at https://www.gov.uk/stamp-duty-land-tax.

• Local Search average fees – between £300.00 – £500.00 +VAT (dependent on the Local Authority) which includes local authority, water and drainage, environmental and chancel
• Land Registry search fees ranging from £3.00 – £12.00
• Land Registry registration fees generally between £20.00 to £500.00 dependent on the purchase price
• Bankruptcy search – £2 for each name
• Priority search – £3
• Fees to management company/landlord’s solicitors (leasehold properties)

i) Notice of transfer fee (usually between £150- £300) +VAT and the exact figure is dependent on the Landlord/Management Company fees list.

ii) Notice of charge fee (mortgaged property) usually between £150 – £300 +VAT

iii) Deed of covenant fee – estimates vary depending on the management company but usually between £250 – £500 +VAT

iv) Certificate of Compliance fee – estimates vary depending on the management company but usually between £100 – £300 +VAT

Sale Prices Range

Sale Transactions (£)	Fee Ex Vat
0 to 100,000	750
100,001 to 200,000	850
200,001 to 300,000	900
300,001 to 400,000	950
400,001 to 500,000	1,050
500,001 to 600,000	1,150
600,001 to 700,000	1,250
700,001 to 800,000	1,450
800,001 to 900,000	1,650
900,001 to 1,000,000	1,850

Please note the above prices are just a guide and you will receive a quote upon taking your instructions.

Additional Costs

For example;

• Bank transfer fee £35.00 +VAT

Disbursements (expenses)

There will be additional expenses that generally will apply as follows:

• Land Registry office copy entries £6 (freehold) £12 (leasehold)
• Fees to management company/landlord’s solicitors (leasehold properties)

i) Deed of covenant fee – estimates vary depending on the management company but usually between £250 – £500 +VAT

ii) Certificate of Compliance fee – estimates vary depending on the management company but usually between £100 – £300 +VAT

iii) Management company pack – this is sent by the management company to the seller’s solicitors and can take some time to be produced.  Cost varies significantly between different management companies but can usually range between £300 – £500+VAT

iv) Resale/LPE1 pack/management company pack – £300.00 – £500.00 +VAT and the exact figure is dependent on the Landlord/Management Company fee list

Remortgage Prices Range

Remortgage (£)	Fee Ex Vat
0 to 150,000	550
150,001 to 200,000	625
200,001 to 250,000	725
250,001 to 350,000	750
350,001 to 500,000	825

Please note the above prices are just a guide and you will receive a quote upon taking your instructions.

Additional Costs

For example;

• Bank transfer fee £35.00 +VAT

Disbursements (expenses)

There will be additional expenses that generally will apply as follows:

• Local Search average fees – between £300.00 – £500.00+VAT (dependent on the Local Authority) which includes local authority, water and drainage, environmental and chancel
• Land Registry search fees ranging from £3.00 – £11.00
• Land Registry registration fees generally between £20.00 to £500.00 dependent on the purchase price
• Bankruptcy search – £2 for each name
• Priority search – £3
• Fees to management company/landlord’s solicitors (leasehold properties)

i) Notice of charge fee (mortgaged property) usually between £150 – £300 +VAT

Additional fees will apply for the below type of instructions

Type	Fees Range
New Build	£350.00 +VAT
Leasehold	£250.00 +VAT
Freehold Management Company	£200.00 +VAT
SDLT	£75.00 +VAT
Help to Buy ISA	£50.00 +VAT
Lifetime ISA	£90.00 +VAT
Unregistered property	£275.00 +VAT

FAQs