If we act in any contentious matter (including Matrimonial cases, Debt Collection, Contractual Disputes, Personal Injury Claims and so on) then we will always endeavour to give an estimate of the likely cost and the time that is likely to be involved. 
However the method of costing is very precise and you must be aware of the effect of this on the level costs.  These types of cases are costed on a time basis. 
In other words each time we see you here, speak to you on the telephone, write to you (or others on your behalf), draft a document for you, attend court or do anything else which involves the expenditure of time there will be a cost.
The general charging structure adopted at present by this firm is fairly simple to follow.  Each hour is divided into 10 units of  6 minutes each.  It has been long accepted that the average time it takes to write a letter is 6 minutes (i.e. 1 unit).  The same applies to the average telephone call (i.e. 6 minutes = 1 unit).  Average length letters received take approximately 3 minutes to read (i.e. 3 minutes = .5 unit). 

Because of this we encourage our clients to undertake as much self help as possible since this will mean that we will have to spend less time and this will save on costs. 

It should be stated that the above figures apply to average times.  Where a letter has to be very carefully drafted for a particular purpose the time taken will be logged and charged for.  Similarly, where a long telephone call takes place the cost will be calculated on a time basis.

We feel that we follow a competitive charging structure and we are always happy to discuss costs both at the outset of any case and at any stage throughout the time that we act for our clients