Form H - Solicitors Costs

When is a form H for solicitors costs submitted to the courts? and would I get a copy of it? as my STBX has put in for costs even though I cannot afford a solicitor since after the first few months.

Many thanks

Hi Tonys,

A form H is to be submitted to the court at every hearing. Usually the solicitors leave it to the last minute to prepare it and bring it along with them to the court.

You should receive a copy of your xtb's sol's form H the same time as the court does.

YA

Many thanks for that.

So far we've been to court for one directional hearing, and an FDR for the A. Relief Plus once for the interim child access order which I brought against her.

At the FDR one when I mentioned about costs he took me to one side and said I wasn't to worry as each would pay their own and it would all be sorted out at the final hearing.

So far I've not seen any form H's?? Does this mean he'll only produce one at the final hearing or can i force the issue at the maitenance pending suite hearing the month before?

Hi Tonys,

You should have had sight of your xtb's Form H at the First Appointment and at the FDR. I suggest you ask for them. At the final hearing each party is to submit a Form H1.

If my memory serves me well I think there was a case where the judge lumped into the joint financial pot the expended costs of the two parties, awarded a percentage split of the assets then deducted the expenses incurred on legal costs by each party as they already had in effect 'received' those.

The result of the above approach was not an order for costs but did mean that the party that expended a lot more on legal fees was pecuniarily punished. I'll look for the case and post it up if I find it.

YA

Brilliant thank you, that would be great if you could.