Family Law - Additional Information

RESPONDENTS DIVORCE SCHEME

No-one wants to receive a Divorce Petition. It signals the start of so many changes in life, most of all changes to financial circumstances. Bird & Co. know that divorce proceedings can be complicated, emotional and expensive and that’s why we have concluded that it would be helpful to offer extra assistance to clients facing these changes.

You may be aware that solicitors charges in divorce proceedings tend to be based upon the number of hours worked multiplied by the solicitor’s hourly rate. This can prove very expensive in many cases and to the client, can feel like an open cheque book situation.

The Respondents Fixed Fee Divorce Scheme

The Scheme limits the costs to £350 plus VAT for those clients who have received a divorce petition. This payment covers the divorce only, i.e. the court procedure whereby your marriage is brought to an end. This reduced rate is offered to clients on the basis that the divorce is not defended, there are no cost issues to be resolved, and we are not required to attend Court on your behalf.  Other issues including children, financial settlements within Divorce and domestic abuse are NOT covered by this scheme and will be funded separately.

Further Issues:
Once the divorce is underway, you may wish to ask Bird & Co to help you resolve financial matters, issues relating to your children, or domestic abuse issues resulting from your marriage breakdown. If so you may be eligible for Public Funding from the Legal Services Commission (Legal Aid) or alternatively you may be eligible for and be able to benefit from our Firm’s Reduced Rate Scheme - a scheme which provides advice and assistance for middle income privately paying clients.

Further Information:
If you would like any further information about the above or would like to know whether you are eligible for the Scheme please contact our Family Law Department at Grantham on 01476 591711 or at Newark on 01636 650880. Alternatively you may prefer to e-mail the Firm.

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