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New House, Market Place, Ringwood, Hampshire, BH24 1ER
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About Us
Why Use Meesons Spurlings
Meesons Spurlings Solicitors Costs of Services
Employment Tribunal: Range of Costs
Our pricing for bringing and defending claims for unfair or wrongful dismissal are:-
Simple case: £2000-£4000 (excluding VAT)
Medium complexity case: £4000-£8000 (excluding VAT)
High complexity case: £8000-£12000 (excluding VAT)
For a discrimination case it is likely to fall within the medium complexity bracket and tailored quotes will be given at the commencement of the case.
Factors that could make a case more complex:-
- If it is necessary to make or defend applications, to amend claims or to provide further information about an existing claim
- Defending claims that are brought by litigants in person
- Making or defending a costs application
- Complex preliminary issues such as whether the claimant is disabled (if this is not agreed by the parties)
- The number of witnesses and documents
- If it is an automatic unfair dismissal claim e.g. if you are dismissed after blowing the whistle on your employer
- Allegations of discrimination which are linked to the dismissal
There will be an additional charge for attending a Tribunal Hearing of £1000 plus VAT per day (excluding VAT). Generally, we would allow 1-3 days depending on the complexity of your case.
Disbursements
Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as court fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.
Counsel’s fees estimated between £1000 to £2000 plus VAT per day (depending on experience of the advocate) for attending a Tribunal Hearing (including preparation)
Damage Based Agreements (‘DBA’)
For bringing claims for unfair dismissal, constructive dismissal or discrimination for certain cases at our total discretion we will enter into a damaged based agreement. A sample agreement can be found by clicking this link.
From the date of our first meeting with you we will take up to 2 weeks to assess your claim and advise you as to whether we will agree to enter into a DBA with you. We will raise no cost to assess your claim.
Under a DBA neither ourselves or any Barrister appointed will be paid until the end. If the claim succeeds we are paid 35% including VAT of the monies you recover but excluding disbursements. If the claim does not succeed you do not pay us anything. The only costs you may have to pay are court fees or expert fees if applicable. We will advise you of these in advance.
Key stages
The fees set out above cover all of the work in relation to the following key stages of a claim:
- Taking your initial instructions, reviewing the papers and advising you on the merits and likely compensation (this is likely to be revisited throughout the matter and subject to change)
- Entering into pre-claim conciliation where this is mandatory to explore whether a settlement can be reached;
- Preparing claim or response
- Reviewing and advising on claim or response from the other party
- Exploring settlement and negotiating settlement throughout the process
- Preparing or considering a schedule of loss
- Preparing for (and attending) a Preliminary Hearing
- Exchanging documents with the other party and agreeing a bundle of documents
- Taking witness statements, drafting statements and agreeing their content with witnesses
- Preparing bundle of documents
- Reviewing and advising on the other party’s witness statements
- Agreeing a list of issues, a chronology and/or cast list
- Preparation for and attendance at a Final Hearing, including instructions to Counsel
The stages set out above are an indication and if some of the stages above are not required, the fee will be reduced. You may wish to handle the claim yourself and only have our advice in relation to some of the stages. This can also be arranged for your individual needs.
How long will my matter take?
The time that it takes from taking your initial instructions to the final resolution of your matter depends largely on the stage at which your case is resolved. If a settlement is reached during pre-claim conciliation, your case is likely to take between 2 and 6 months. If your claim proceeds to a Final Hearing, your case is likely to take between 6-12 months. This is just an estimate and we will of course be able to give you a more accurate timescale once we have more information as the matter progresses.
Probate Fees
We can cover as much or as little of the administration of an estate as required. We do not insist on taking over the entire administration but are happy to provide a full administration service if requested.
Grant Only Service
This service includes ensuring the appropriate application is made, including completion of the appropriate Inheritance Tax Return and Statement of Truth required to apply for the Grant based on information you have provided. We will store the original Grant free of charge and provide sealed copies to the personal representatives so that they may complete the administration of the estate.
Our minimum fee for obtaining a Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration is £600 plus VAT for a simple estate requiring an IHT205.
Full Estate Administration Service
Our full estate administration service includes:
- A dedicated and experienced probate lawyer to work on your matter
- Identifying the legally appointed executors or administrators and beneficiaries
- Identifying the type of probate application required and obtaining the relevant documents to make the application
- Applying to the relevant asset holders for date of death values, income statements and valuations of property/assets
- Assessment of Inheritance Tax reliefs and allowances and calculation of tax due
- Completion of the relevant HM Revenue & Customs forms and drafting a statement of truth for the personal representative/s to sign
- Making the application and ensuring the appropriate grant of administration is obtained
- All assets made known to us are gathered in and liabilities, including tax, discharged
- The net estate is distributed in accordance with the law
- Estate accounts are prepared and approved by you to conclude the administration
- Dealing with tax returns for the administration period
- Tax certificates are prepared where appropriate for beneficiaries’ personal tax records.
Our charges are based on time spent and not the value of the estate. We believe this is a fairer charging system and ensures you only pay for the work that is needed. The exact cost will depend on the individual circumstances of the matter. Estates with few assets and a single beneficiary will be at the lower end of the fee scale whereas estates with several assets or several beneficiaries, particularly if any residuary beneficiaries are charities, will mean costs will be higher. We will never charge a value element. We will provide you with an estimate based on the information given at the outset.
Our hourly rates are currently set between £200 and £300 (plus VAT) depending on qualification.
We would anticipate costs for the full service will be between £3,000 and £6,000 plus VAT based on the following assumptions:
- There is a valid will
- There is no more than one UK property
- There are no more than five bank or building society accounts
- There are no other intangible assets
- There are no more than five beneficiaries
- There are no disputes between executors or beneficiaries.
- There is no inheritance tax payable, and the executors do not need to submit a full account to HM Revenue & Customs
- There are no claims against the estate
- All assets are UK based
Disbursements
In addition to our fees for conducting the legal work there are payments that you will have to pay, and these should be the same or similar whoever carries out the legal work.
These are often known as Disbursements but in simple terms these are payments that must be made to third parties. These can vary depending on the assets, but the following are an example:
Court fees for obtaining a Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration: £155 + £1.50 for each additional sealed office copy and sealed copy will. Please note there are plans to raise this fee to a sliding scale based on the value of the estate ranging from £0 to £6,000.
Statutory advertisements (protects against unknown creditors): £150 to £200 + VAT based on The London Gazette and one local newspaper.
Bankruptcy searches: £2 plus VAT per beneficiary.
Potential Additional Costs
The following are likely to lead to additional costs, which will vary depending on the estate. We can provide an accurate quote once we have full information:
- If there is no will
- If beneficiaries need to be traced
- If there are additional assets, such as many small shareholdings or property abroad
- Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property
- Preparing tax returns for the period to the date of death
How Long Will This Take?
The average estate takes one year from date of death to complete winding up. The simpler estates often take less time than this. Obtaining the grant currently takes 12 weeks from when the application is submitted. Collecting the assets can take between two to six weeks once the grant is received.
To obtain an accurate quotation bespoke to your needs, please call us on 01425 484420
Contact Us
Meesons & Spurlings
New House
Market Place
Ringwood
BH24 1ER
Range of fixed fees for a business to business debt that is undisputed
We charge £35.00 plus VAT for a letter of claim to be sent before issue of proceedings
Court Claims
These costs apply where your claim is in relation to an unpaid invoice which is not disputed and enforcement action is not needed. If the other party disputes your claim at any point, we will discuss any further work required and provide you with revised advice about costs if necessary, which could be on a fixed fee (e.g. if a one off letter is required), or an hourly rate if more extensive work is needed.
Debt Value Court Fee Our Fee including VAT
Up to £5,000 £35 to £455 £600.00
£5,001 – £10,000 5% value of claim £1200
£10,001- £50,000 10% value of claim 10% of the value of the claim
Anyone wishing to proceed with a claim should note that:
- The VAT element of our fees cannot be reclaimed from your debtor but will be claimed through your VAT return.
- Interest and compensation may take the debt into a higher banding, with a higher cost.
- The costs quoted above are not for matters where enforcement action, such as the bailiff, is needed to collect your debt.
Our fee includes:
- Taking your instructions and reviewing documentation
- Sending a letter before action
- Receiving payment and sending onto you, or if the debt is not paid, drafting and issuing claim
- Where no Acknowledgment of Service or Defence is received, applying to the court to enter Judgment in default
- When Judgment in default in received, writing to the other side to request payment
- If payment is not received within specified time limit, providing you with advice on next steps and likely costs
Matters usually take 1-4 weeks from receipt of instructions from you to receipt of payment from the other side, depending on whether or not it is necessary to issue a claim. This is on the basis that the other side pays promptly on receipt of Judgement in default. If enforcement action is needed, the matter will take longer to resolve.
Divorce
Acting for the Applicant in an undefended Divorce:
Fixed fee of £700 + VAT and Disbursements (Court fee currently £593.00 unless you qualify for Help With Fees). This includes:-
- Meeting you and taking your instructions and advising you with regard to the procedure and timings.
- Preparation of initial letter to your spouse.
- Preparation of the Divorce Application and supporting documents.
- Uploading and filing the Application at Court with the fee and Marriage Certificate.
- Advising you when proceedings have been issued.
- Receiving and advising you on the Acknowledgment of Service document.
- Preparation of the Decree Nisi Application and Statement in Support for your signature.
- Filing the Decree Nisi and Costs Application at Court.
- Receiving the Notice of the Date for the Decree Nisi to be given.
- Providing you with the original Decree Nisi when received.
- Preparation and filing the Decree Absolute Application at Court.
- Receiving and providing you with the original Decree Absolute document for safekeeping.
- Advising you throughout.
Acting for the Respondent in an undefended Divorce
Fixed fee of £300 + VAT. This includes:-
- Meeting you with the Divorce Application you have received.
- Completing and signing the Acknowledgment of Service form and filing it at Court.
- Receiving the Notice of pronouncement of Decree Nisi and any costs Order.
- Receiving the original Decree Nisi and forwarding it to you.
- Receiving the original Decree Absolute and forwarding it to you for safekeeping.
- Advising you throughout.
For Financial and Children matters These are charged at the hourly rate and costs advice will be given depending on the complexity of the case and the time taken.
Please do not hesitate to contact Lesley Rippingale for further information.
Buying & Selling Property
Sale Price Range:
| Price range | Legal fees (£) | VAT(£) | Total(£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to £150,000 | 950.00 | 190.00 | 1,140.00 |
| £150,001 to £250,000 | 975.00 | 195.00 | 1,170.00 |
| £250,001 to £350,000 | 1,000.00 | 200.00 | 1,200.00 |
| £350,001 to £450,000 | 1,050.00 | 210.00 | 1,260.00 |
| £450,001 to £550,000 | 1,100.00 | 220.00 | 1,320.00 |
| £550,001 to £650,000 | 1,150.00 | 230.00 | 1,380.00 |
| £650,001 to £750,000 | 1,200.00 | 240.00 | 1,440.00 |
| £750,001 to £850,000 | 1,250.00 | 250.00 | 1,500.00 |
| £950,001 to £1,000,000 | 1,300.00 | 260.00 | 1,560.00 |
For prices over £1,000,000 please get in contact with us today.
Sale Supplements
| Supplements | Legal fees (£) | VAT(£) | Total(£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mortgage (per mortgage/ legal charge) | 100.00 | 20.00 | 120.00 |
| Freehold/ Leasehold Management Company | 100.00 | 20.00 | 120.00 |
| Bank Charges (per payment) | 40.00 | 8.00 | 48.00 |
| ID Verification check (per person) | 6.50 | N/A | 6.50 |
| Help to Buy mortgage | 150.00 | 30.00 | 180.00 |
| Leasehold | 150.00 | 30.00 | 180.00 |
In addition to the above legal fees there are further disbursements payable to third parties. For example, in a sale transaction the Official Copies of the title from HM Land Registry. These documents cost £3.00 + vat (£3.60) per document and the number of documents required can differ from property to property.
If there is a management company and/or landlord then a fee will be payable to them to obtain their replies to form LP El or FM El. These fees can vary from a few tens of pounds to a few hundred pounds.
The following are included in our standard instructions:
- Obtaining up to date copies of the title documents from HM Land Registry.
- Arranging for you to complete the standard protocol documentation.
- Arranging, if appropriate, for the management company and or freeholder to provide their replies to form LP El or FM El or any similar document.
- Drafting and submitting a contract pack for your buyers legal representative.
- Assisting you with enquiries raised by the buyers legal representative and then sending your replies.
- Arranging for you to sign the contract once approved by the byers legal representative.
- Exchanging contracts on your behalf once your authority has been obtained.
- Completing the transaction.
- Redeeming any existing mortgage and/or legal charges secured against the property.
Purchase
| Price range | Legal fees (£) | VAT(£) | Total(£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to £150,000 | 1,050.00 | 210.00 | 1,260.00 |
| £150,001 to £250,000 | 1,075.00 | 215.00 | 1,290.00 |
| £250,001 to £350,000 | 1,100.00 | 220.00 | 1,320.00 |
| £350,001 to £450,000 | 1,150.00 | 230.00 | 1,380.00 |
| £450,001 to £550,000 | 1,200.00 | 240.00 | 1,440.00 |
| £550,001 to £650,000 | 1,250.00 | 250.00 | 1,500.00 |
| £650,001 to £750,000 | 1,300.00 | 260.00 | 1,560.00 |
| £750,001 to £850,000 | 1,350.00 | 270.00 | 1,620.00 |
| £950,001 to £1,000,000 | 1,400.00 | 280.00 | 1,680.00 |
For prices over £1,000,000 please get in contact with us today.
Purchase Supplements
| Supplements | Legal fees (£) | VAT(£) | Total(£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mortgage (per mortgage/ legal charge) | 100.00 | 20.00 | 120.00 |
| Freehold/ Leasehold Management Company | 150.00 | 30.00 | 180.00 |
| Bank Charges (per payment) | 40.00 | 8.00 | 48.00 |
| ID Verification check (per person) | 6.50 | N/A | 6.50 |
| Help to Buy mortgage | 150.00 | 30.00 | 180.00 |
| Leasehold | 150.00 | 30.00 | 180.00 |
| Land Transaction Return | 75.00 | 15.00 | 90.00 |
| New Build | 300.00 | 60.00 | 360.00 |
Deed of Variation will be quoted on a case by case basis if required.
Please note if you require a Declaration ofTrust this will be an addition fee.
In addition to the above legal fees there will be disbursements payable to Third Parties. In a purchase transaction these are likely to be H M Land Registry Searches (£3.00 + vat per title and £2.00 + vat per person), Stamp Duty Land tax and the usual searches (Environmental, Water and Drainage and Local). You may also require a Chancel Repair Indemnity policy. It is hard to say how much these will cost as each Local Authority and drainage company charge different amounts for providing the searches. On average the pack costs around £215.00.
If applicable, there will also be fees payable to any managing agent or Landlord on completion. We would be able to confirm these additional costs to you as the transaction progresses. You should also take into account you may be required to pay an apportionment of any grand rent or service charges to the seller on completion as well.
There will also be a land registry fee payable, there is a sliding scale of the fees due. Please contact us for an estimate on these costs.
The following is included in our standard instructions:
- Review source offunds
- We will deal with the purchase of your property
- Make local, drainage, environmental, chancel repair liability, official and other necessary searches as required
- Consider the draft contract and make any necessary amendments
- Raise any additional questions about the property arising from the contract papers
- Advise you on any planning problems revealed by the local search
- Consider any points raised in the legal section of your surveyor's report
- Exchange contracts
- Raise requisitions on title
- Prepare the transfer of title
- Check any completion statement
- Complete your purchase
- Complete the Stamp Duty Land Tax Return (SDLT) on your behalf
- Register Transfer at the Land Registry
If you have a mortgage we will:
- Comply with special conditions raised in the mortgage instructions
- Prepare the mortgage documents
- Forward certificate of title and apply for mortgage advance
- Complete the mortgage and register it at the Land Registry
Remortgage
| Remortgage range | Legal fees (£) | VAT(£) | Total(£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to £150,000.00 | 495.00 | 180.00 | 1,080.00 |
| £150,001 to £400,000 | 570.00 | 185.00 | 1,110.00 |
| £400,001 to £750,000 | 645.00 | 190.00 | 1,140.00 |
| £750,001 to £1,000,000 | 720.00 | 195.00 | 1,170.00 |
For prices over £1,000,001 please get in contact with us today.
Remortgage Supplements
| Supplements | Legal fees (£) | VAT(£) | Total(£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Additional Mortgage (per mortgage/ legal charge) | 100.00 | 20.00 | 120.00 |
| Freehold/ Leasehold Management Company | 100.00 | 20.00 | 120.00 |
| Bank Charges (per payment) | 40.00 | 8.00 | 48.00 |
| ID Verification check (per person) | 6.50 | N/A | 6.50 |
| Help to Buy mortgage | 150.00 | 30.00 | 180.00 |
| Leasehold | 150.00 | 30.00 | 180.00 |
In addition to the above legal fees there will be disbursements payable to Third Parties. In a purchase transaction these are likely to be HM Land Registry Searches (£3.00 + vat per title and £2.00 + vat per person) and the usual searches (Environmental, Water and Drainage and Local) which will be required by your lender (please note they may accept search indemnity insurance). You may also require a Chancel Repair Indemnity policy. It is hard to say how much these will cost as each Local Authority and drainage company charge different amounts for providing the searches. On average the pack costs around £215.00.
If applicable, there will also be fees payable to any managing agent or Landlord on completion. We would be able to confirm these additional costs to you as the transaction progresses. You should also take into account you may be required to pay an apportionment of any grand rent or service charges to the seller on completion as well.
There will also be a land registry fee payable, there is a sliding scale of the fees due. Please contact us for an estimate on these costs.
The following is included in our standard instructions:
- Submitting searches on your mortgage companies behalf.
- Reviewing the title.
- Reviewing the instructions sent by your mortgage company, if appropriate, and ensuring that mortgage conditions have been complied with.
- Arranging for you to sign the required documentation.
- Completing the transaction on your behalf including, if appropriate redeeming your existing mortgage and any other financial charges.
- Apply to H M Land Registry on your behalf to register the new mortgage on the title.
The following transactions are not included in the above fees, it is likely if your transaction includes any of the following there may be an additional fee payable.
- Land only
- Unregistered title/ first registration
- Mixed use
- Overage
- Purchase of land with benefit of planning permission
- Land with complicated easements
- Transfers of equity
- Land with more than one title or land with possessory title
If your transaction does not fall within the above categories, please call for a quote.
New House, Market Place, Ringwood, Hampshire, BH24 1ER
2A Church Street, Christchurch, Dorset, BH24 1ER
88 Mudeford, Christchurch BH23 4AS
