Options for funding your case
A Guide for Clients and Potential Clients
Paying your legal fees
At the outset of the case your lawyer will give you guidance as to the likely level of your legal fees. You, as the client, are responsible for payment of our fees. Our Terms and Conditions of Business require a deposit (usually £500) and then interim bills will be submitted to you on a monthly basis. Our invoices should be settled by you within 28 days by cheque payment, debit card, credit card or bank transfer.
If your financial circumstances mean that you will not be in a possible to meet these payment terms, we can consider an alternative arrangement for payment for our fees. Any alternative arrangements should be discussed with your lawyer and must be agreed on behalf of LANGLEYS by the Head of the Family Department. Once it is agreed then we may proceed with your case.
The estimate given by the lawyer will be a guide only as it is always difficult to predict whether the matter will proceed in a straightforward manner or will need extra time due to unforeseen difficulties. To assist we shall regularly update you with both the level of your fees and any changes to the original estimate which may become necessary as the case develops.
Different ways of paying
There are a number of different ways that you can arrange to pay your legal fees with us. The most common are
1. Interest only loan
You arranging an Interest only loan, repayable at the end of your case.
2. Capital and interest loan
You arranging a Capital and Interest loan where you repay capital and interest in monthly instalments over an agreed period, such as 18 months.
3. Legal Aid
This will depend on your financial circumstances, your savings, income and outgoings. We will assess if you are eligible and advise you. If you are not at the outset of your case and your circumstances change subsequently you should advise us and we can reassess your eligibility. Legal aid is not retrospective and it is likely that you will have to repay all your legal fees at the end from any assets you recover or preserve in the case.
How we can help
The choice of payment method is a matter for you. The merits of the options and different schemes available are financial services issues and if you need advice on this you will need to seek it from an independent financial advisor. We are not authorised to advise you on these issues in accordance with the Financial Services Act.
To help you we have set up arrangements with independent companies to offer:
1. Interest only loan (Key Business Finance Co)
2. Capital and interest loan (Premium Credit)
We are happy to provide details of this services to you .We believe that the companies offer competitive terms but we must emphasise that you are under no obligation to use them and that the onus is on you to seek your own independent financial advice before you choose your method of funding .The choice of with whom you raise the money to pay your legal fees and upon what terms rests with you.
Full details of the service and how to access them will be given to you on request. The process of applying is quick, and if it is your wish, we can access the funds immediately.
If you are eligible for legal aid we will tell you and help you complete the forms if you wish to proceed.
The Next Step
Once you have expressed your preference we will then complete any forms with you and then seek approval from the Head of the Family Department so that we can proceed with assisting you.