Using a Solicitor

When it comes to solicitor costs, our approach is to be up front, transparent and flexible. We use our experience to ensure that costs are kept as low as possible and will always give you our best estimate of fees at the outset of a matter.

There are two main aspects to costs:

1. Whether they are fixed or an open amount i.e. fixed price or an hourly rate,
2. When we require payment.

Fixed Price

We always try and fix a price where possible – this way you know exactly what costs you can expect. Sometimes this means we fix a price for the next stage or for part of a job, leaving future stages or any uncertain parts of the job to be priced at a later stage when the facts are better known.

If it is completely impossible for us to set a figure, then we will agree to limit fees to a particular amount and not proceed further without your confirmation.

Hourly Rate

We are always happy to do matters on an hourly-rate basis, which some clients prefer.

• On more simple and short transactional matters such as Wills or a sale or purchase, we are usually happy to wait until the end of the matter before we receive payment.
• If the transaction is likely to produce money, like a sale, then we are usually happy to wait and be paid out of those proceeds.
• On larger jobs or matters that will happen over an extended period of time such as a divorce case or a probate matter, then we will normally bill periodically. Many clients find it helpful to have a monthly bill so that they can keep a close eye on fees and it makes it easier for them to budget. We are happy to bill when a limit is reached or every month.

Expenses

In some cases, we will have to pay out money on behalf of a client. These are called expenses or disbursements. We will not normally pay these out of our own funds and we always ask the client for them up front before we pay them out.

When the matter is only dependent on us and the client, like a Will, then it is very easy for us to fix a time frame and keep to it. We always work to meet the time frames that we set.

Where it becomes more difficult is when the matter is part of a transaction and is dependent on third parties or other solicitors. Then, the time frame is not within our or your control, and matters can become delayed.

We will always use our experience to try and unblock matters so that they proceed and we will always keep you updated with a realistic time estimate. There is often the option to prioritise matters and work extra hours if that is what the matter requires.

What do I need to bring along to my solicitors appointment?

To ensure we are able to get things moving as quickly as possible, it’s helpful if you can bring the following with you to your solicitor appointment:

• Identification such as a passport or photo driving licence
• Any papers that relate to or may relate to the particular matter in hand – we are happy and experienced at looking through large quantities of papers very quickly to find what is relevant. Don’t worry about bringing in carrier bags full of papers – we will process them and decide what is important.

• We find out as much out as about your situation as possible.
• We give you information about costs up front.
• We provide you with information about who to complain to if you are unhappy with the service provided by Burt Brill & Cardens.
• We tell you who will be dealing with your matter and their status i.e. solicitor or legal executive.
• We agree any deadlines, whether or not the matter is urgent, reporting time scales.
• We agree the scope of work involved. For example, we agree exactly what we will and will not do. We will always set out any limitations on our advice and tell you what the next steps are.

At Burt Brill & Cardens we understand that accessibility is key when it comes to legal assistance. That’s why we’re happy to offer home visits throughout the county of Sussex. We believe that legal support should be readily available when and where you need it and our home-visit service is a testament to that commitment.

Call up today to discuss your options.

We pride ourselves on going above and beyond for our clients. We will provide regular and meaningful contact throughout the legal process and be available to answer any questions you may have.