Solicitor''s Charges

I finally got to speak to my stbx yesterday, amazingly!!! He informed me that he has received correspondence from his solicitor saying his legal charges could amount to £12,000!!! He said he hadn''t had a chance to read it properly because he was at work. I think he is concerned I might run the bill up by being uncooperative because I don''t want to divorce and might make the procedures difficult?

In fact that is not the case at all! I am not going to flog a dead horse! I have set my heart on a house in town that I love and I am determined to buy it and the sooner I can progress the better!

But what I am trying to ask is .... really? Do these solicitors charge this ridiculous amount for a straightforward divorce? I have yet to see mine for a free consultation but I have no money! So I just don''t know what to think anymore?

His legal charges COULD amount to £12,000...

The devil is in the detail. A solicitor should gives costs estimates at the outset of a case and the work involved will vary depending upon the complexity and whether the parties are in agreement or not.

Also, most people use the term ''divorce'' as an umbrella terms to describe all the process of divorce, financial division, children etc. whereas the divorce process is a small amount of the cost - usually around £1000 if undefended.

If you have an agreement in relation to finances the cost could be £500 but if you both provide financial disclosure and there is a dispute the matter is litigated and legal costs increase.

Personally I think £12k is too low. If a matter goes to a final hearing £20k is more realistic - more if the final hearing goes into second and subsequent days and/or if an actuarial report is required.

Charles