Fees & Pricing

Clear, Proportionate& Predictable

We aim to make legal costs understandable, proportionate and aligned with what you need to achieve. Whether resolving a personal matter or managing a business issue, clear expectations at the outset allow you to make informed decisions from the beginning.

Legal matters vary significantly depending on complexity, urgency and the level of involvement required. For that reason, our pricing is structured around the individual circumstances of each matter rather than relying solely on hourly charging.

Eddison Cogan Lawyers advises individuals, families and businesses in Malmesbury and the surrounding villages across a wide range of legal matters. From our High Street base, we provide clear, measured advice and careful representation across family law, commercial matters and dispute resolution.

Where appropriate, we provide clear fee ranges for common types of work to help you plan ahead. These are intended as practical guides rather than fixed quotations, as each matter depends on its specific circumstances.

Initial conversation - understanding your situation

We offer an initial conversation at no cost. This is an opportunity for you to outline your situation and for us to understand whether we are the right firm to assist.

During this conversation, we will:

understand the background to your situation
identify the key legal issues
explain how we would typically approach matters of this kind

This initial stage is not intended to provide detailed legal advice or a full analysis of your position. Where more in-depth input is needed, we will explain the next steps and the likely costs involved.

If we feel your matter would be better handled elsewhere, we will say so.

If you would like detailed advice at the outset

Where early, specific advice is required, we can arrange a fixed-fee consultation. This allows us to review documents in advance and provide considered guidance on your position and options. Fixed-fee consultations typically range from £140 to £560 + VAT depending on the complexity and preparation required.

Online Platform Access

If you prefer to begin independently, you may access our in-house platform. This provides structured templates, guided legal information, and the ability to organise your documents before engaging us directly.

This can be a useful starting point before formal legal engagement, or alongside it as your needs evolve.

For access, please email Christine.Yuill@eddisoncogan.co.uk.

How we structure fees

Our aim is to ensure that legal costs remain proportionate to what you are trying to achieve.

Fixed fees and tailored quotations

In many matters we provide a fixed fee or structured quotation following the initial consultation. This approach is often preferred because it provides clarity and cost certainty.

The fee will depend on factors such as:

• the complexity of the legal and factual issues
• the volume of documentation involved
• whether the matter is contested
• the level of urgency
• the involvement of third parties

Typical fee ranges for common matters are set out below as a general guide only. They are not fixed or binding prices, and should not be treated as a quotation. Fees will depend on the specific circumstances and requirements of each matter.

Divorce (uncontested)

£750 – £3,000 + VAT

Financial settlements

£3,000 – £15,000 + VAT depending on complexity

Employment advice (initial work)

£350 – £3,000 + VAT

Commercial contracts

£900 – £5,000 + VAT

Wills and Powers of Attorney

Typical costs in this area include:

Standard Will (individual)

£450 – £750 plus VAT depending on complexity

Mirror Wills (couples)

Typically £600 – £1,200 plus VAT

Wills involving trusts or more complex arrangements

£1,000 – £3,000+ plus VAT

Lasting Powers of Attorney (Property and Financial Affairs

or Health and Welfare)

£400 – £900 plus VAT per document

Both LPAs (Property and Financial Affairs and Health and Welfare)

£700 – £1,500 plus VAT

Registration fees payable to the Office of the Public Guardian are additional.

When putting a Lasting Power of Attorney in place, there is a separate fee payable to the Office of the Public Guardian. This is a government-set charge and is not part of our legal fees. The current fee is £92 per document.

Many clients choose to prepare both a Property and Financial Affairs LPA and a Health and Welfare LPA so that, taken together, there is a clear and consistent framework for decision-making if circumstances change. Where both documents are put in place, the total registration cost is usually £184.

In some circumstances, a reduced fee or full exemption may apply depending on income or receipt of certain benefits. We can guide you through the application process and help you consider which documents are appropriate for your situation, while the registration fee itself is paid directly to the Office of the Public Guardian.

Many clients choose to address Wills and Powers of Attorney together as part of a broader review of their personal affairs. This can often be handled in a structured and cost efficient way.

What affects cost in this area:

complexity of your financial or family arrangements
whether trusts or tax planning are required
the number of documents involved
the level of advice and drafting needed

We will always confirm a more precise estimate once we understand your specific circumstances.

Where a fixed fee is not suitable, we will explain the alternatives clearly.

Hourly charging (where appropriate)

In some matters - particularly where the scope is uncertain or developments cannot reasonably be predicted — work may be charged on an hourly basis. Where this applies, we will explain the rates and provide realistic cost estimates at the outset.

Our hourly rates typically range from £125 to £440 + VAT depending on the experience required.

We keep clients informed throughout and discuss any material change in anticipated costs before additional work is undertaken.

Disbursements & third-party costs

In addition to legal fees, some matters involve third-party costs (“disbursements”), which may include:

• court or tribunal fees
• barristers’ fees
• expert reports
• search fees
• mediation or arbitration fees

We will identify these costs at the outset wherever possible so that you have a clear overall picture.

Alternative dispute resolution

Where appropriate, we actively consider mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). These processes can often reduce financial cost, time and stress compared with court proceedings, while preserving professional or family relationships.

While litigation is sometimes necessary, many clients achieve better overall outcomes through negotiated resolution.

Transparency and communication

Clear communication about costs is central to how we work. We will:

• provide written confirmation of agreed pricing structures
• give realistic estimates wherever possible
• keep you informed as your matter progresses
• discuss any change in scope before additional costs arise

We will always be clear about when work moves beyond an initial discussion and into chargeable time, so you can make informed decisions at each stage.

We provide regular cost updates as your matter progresses, particularly where circumstances change.

Commitment to value

Our focus is on delivering work that is proportionate, effective and aligned with your objectives, rather than pursuing unnecessary steps or costs.

Discussing your situation

Each matter is different, and the most helpful way to understand likely costs is through an initial conversation. This allows us to understand your situation and explain the appropriate next steps and how we would approach your matter. If you decide to proceed, we will provide clear information about fees before any chargeable work begins.

Eddison Cogan Lawyers works with private individuals, families and businesses across a range of legal matters, and we aim to ensure that our fee structure is clear, proportionate and aligned with your objectives.

If you are considering taking legal advice and would find it helpful to speak with a solicitor locally, further information is available on our contact page.