LEGAL AID
You may be entitled to legal aid. The Legal Aid rules are complex and the test for qualifying differs depending on the type of case you need help with. We will assess your income and capital at the outset of your case to determine if you qualify. Sometimes you may have to pay something towards your case even if you qualify for some legal aid. All of that will depend on your own personal circumstances. You may work or have capital and still qualify so don't assume you don't. If you wish to assess your eligibility you can do so directly on the Scottish Legal Aid Board's website here.
PRIVATE PAYERS
If you don't qualify for legal aid you will need to pay privately. The amount varies from case to case although the rates are the same. Our rates are competitive at £240 per hour inclusive of vat at 20%. Letters and emails are charged at £12 per page including vat and phone calls at £12 per 5 mins including vat at 20%. You may also have outlays in connection with your case, for example court dues. If you wish to instruct us we will provide an estimate at the start of your case. It is difficult to give an exact figure as the amount of work varies in each case and a lot can depend on how contentious your case is and how much work is required to respond to the opponent in your particular case. What we can guarantee, however, is that our fees are completely transparent and there are no hidden costs.
BLOCK FEES
Sometimes we can offer block fees if the work required is more certain. An undefended ordinary cause divorce for example can be offered at a fixed fee of £750 plus £150 vat at 20% plus outlays ( typically £230 - £300 unless sheriff officers needed.) We are usually happy to accept payments by instalments and can offer payment plans. We also prepare wills at block fees, namely £120 for individuals ; £60 for pensioners and £180 for couples with similar wills, all inclusive of VAT.
ALTERNATIVE FUNDING OPTIONS IN COMPENSATION CASES
We have links with a personal injury network whereby we may be able to secure funding to investigate your case depending on prospects i.e. a no win no fee arrangement. Where this is an option it will be discussed with you.