How are debts owed to family members dealt with in divorce proceedings?
The first question for the court to determine is whether the debts are legitimate, and this is a...
In the matter of J v J [2014] almost 32% of the couples' assets were spent on costs.
Although one might argue there were reasons to justify this, it has led to the High Court stating that; "a litigant should be able to demand a fixed price for each of three phases of a case." On this basis clients may secure better outcomes by feeling confident employing a lawyer rather than being self-represented.
It has long been our policy to offer fixed fees for the three phases of a financial case namely: -
1. Form A to First Appointment
2. First Appointment to FDR
3. FDR to trial
However, offering such a cost-effective service to clients requires both parties' lawyers to "buy in" to the commitment to their clients as far as costs are concerned. Otherwise, there is a danger of the escalating costs of one party still being paid out of the matrimonial assets – thereby depleting the assets available for distribution between the couple.
Please feel free to contact us for further information in respect of fixed fees.