Our family team have considerable experience in family matters. Initial appointments are free and the object of that appointment is to identify legal issues and of equal importance it’s for the client to meet Mr Evans and assess whether the solicitor and client can work together. It is very important that the client has trust and confidence in the legal advisors professional knowledge, as they will need to work as a team in all aspects of any legal dispute.

Mr Evans will also explain the basis for legal charges. Costs are charged out at an hourly rate and for letter and telephone calls they are reduced to 6 minutes per item. You will be given a clear indication of potential cost liability of your case and that will be reviewed over the duration of your case.

We deal with a number of family law areas as follows:- 

Divorce

The divorce itself is a relatively straightforward procedure, which does not require the client to attend court on any occasion. The court fees in issuing a divorce petition are £300 and to obtain a Decree Absolute £40.00 and together with solicitors fees of £400 plus vat approximately, total charges for a divorce are just over £800.00. The time scale for obtaining a Decree Nisi in divorce from commencement of proceedings is in the region of 4 – 6 months. We do not necessarily apply for the Decree Absolute until financial issues ancillary to the divorce are finalised. 

Divorce Finance

This is a hugely developing area of work, largely due to the success of our economy over the last 15 years, the increase in value on private pensions, developed legal issues and precedents over the last few years. The case of White –v- White set out the principle of equality in financial disputes ancillary to divorce. Miller and McFarlane also identified further legal principles for example, compensation for loss of financial benefit subsequent to divorce. Almy & Thomas have access to professional Actuaries to value pension rights and analysis the benefit of pension entitlement, which is essential in divorce finance.  

Children

Mr Evans has been dealing with divorce and children disputes over the last 25 years and wherever possible negotiations regarding parental rights, will often lead to settlement of residence and contract disputes regarding children. If all else fails then mediation is available. 

Mediation

Mediation is now an important tool in all litigation matters, not least of which are family disputes. Professional mediators can be appointed on behalf of both parties, to avoid necessity of pursuing matters through the courts. The benefit to the client is avoidance of pursuing the case through the courts and the vast cost saving as a result. It is the policy of this firm to automatically advise each and every client in any litigation dispute of the availability of mediation.

For further queries and advice as to costs.  
Contact Mr Evans on

Tel: 01803 299131
fax: 01803 200399
email: OwenE@almythomas.co.uk