Selby Lowndes
Selby Lowndes Family Solicitors Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and London offering legal advice, free initial consultation

Understanding our charges

We understand that most people will be concerned about how much their case is likely to cost. With this in mind we have developed a fee structure which aims to be transparent and keep costs down.

Selby Lowndes Family law specialists
  • Free First Consultation

    We usually offer clients a free first interview for divorce and separation enquiries, and not just on the telephone. We believe it is very important for clients, particularly in family work, to be completely comfortable with their solicitor. At the beginning of your case, when you require a general overview, we are happy to meet with you free of charge and with no obligation. This allows you to decide whether we are the right firm for you.
    If specific legal advice is required, for example with children disputes, cohabitation, and nuptial agreements, and where proceedings/negotiations have already started, then we will charge a fixed fee for the meeting and reviewing any documentation.

  • Fixed Fees

    After the first meeting, and unlike many traditional law firms we may be able to offer a fixed fee for some types of work. This can reduce the uncertainty about fees, and the overall costs of your case. Please see the ‘Charges’ link below, which sets out our current fixed fees in more detail.

  • Transparency

    Most of our work is carried out on an hourly rate which will be agreed with you at the outset. We will be open and upfront about the likely costs of your case at the beginning and will provide you with a detailed cost estimate which will be regularly updated.

  • A modern approach

    We have invested heavily in the most up to date legal software, enabling us to be more efficient, and pass on those savings to our clients. Our software allows you to see and collaborate on the documents we produce for you, again saving you costs.

  • Sensible fees

    We believe that we represent excellent value for money: our solicitors' hourly rates are significantly lower than they would be if we were operating from a larger firm. We understand that legal fees are a source of anxiety for clients, and you may be worried about whether you can afford our services. If you find yourself in this position then there are a number of options you can consider, and which we can discuss with you.

  • Convenient for you

    We can meet you at locations convenient for you - we have meeting rooms in Oxford, London, Cirencester and Bath.

Help with legal fees

We understand that legal fees are a source of anxiety for clients, and you may be worried about whether you can afford our services. If you find yourself in this position then there are a number of options you can consider, and which we can discuss with you:

  • Advice in the Background
    Some clients require us to provide advice ‘in the background’ rather than have a solicitor formally acting for them. We are happy to offer this option, and as a small firm can come to individual agreements about how fees are charged.
  • Legal Loans
    We can advise you about the availability of a legal loan to fund your case.
  • Choice of Fee Earner
    Our experienced fee earners charge more than our less experienced fee earners. We will discuss with you in detail who is likely to be the most appropriate person to handle your case. You can be reassured that whoever deals with your case, we work together, as a team, to achieve the best possible result for you and your family.
  • Legal Services Orders
    If you are involved in court proceedings, and you have limited funds, the court can, in certain circumstances, make an order that the other party pays your fees.
Download our Guide to Charges

Updated September 2025


Charges