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Fees, Disbursements & Taxes

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Our Approach to Fees

At MS-LEGAL Solicitors, our fee structures are tailored to the nature of each case and the individual circumstances of each client. At the start of your instruction, we will confirm whether our fees will be charged on:

  • A fixed fee basis, or

  • An hourly rate basis

In addition to legal fees, clients are responsible for any applicable disbursements and taxes. These are outlined below.

 

Hourly Rates

For matters involving litigation, arbitration, and commercial real estate, we typically charge based on hourly rates. Our fees reflect time spent, as well as the complexity, urgency, value, and level of expertise required.

Current hourly rates (subject to review):

  • Principal Partner: £500 – £550

  • Solicitors (10+ years’ experience): £400 – £500

  • Solicitors (under 10 years’ experience): £275 – £350

  • Trainees & Paralegals: £200 – £250

Billing is typically agreed on a monthly basis or upon reaching certain case milestones. Invoices are payable within 14 days.

We reserve the right to adjust rates in cases of exceptional urgency, complexity, or external factors. Any increase will be discussed in advance.

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Fixed Fee Services

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Residential Conveyancing

We offer fixed fees for residential property transactions based on the value and complexity of the transaction.

Freehold Property – Sale or Purchase:

  • Up to £250,000: £1,300

  • £250,001 – £500,000: £1,800

  • £500,001 – £1,000,000: £2,750

  • £1,000,001 – £2,000,000: £3,600

  • £2,000,001 – £5,000,000: 1% of property value

  • Above £5,000,000: 0.5% of property value

Leasehold Property:
Add 15% to the above Freehold rates.

What’s included:

  • Reviewing contracts and legal documents

  • Investigating title and raising enquiries

  • Conducting legal searches

  • Managing contract exchange and fund transfers

  • Paying Stamp Duty

  • HM Land Registry registration

Additional costs (disbursements):

  • Legal searches: approx. £100–£800

  • Land Registry fees: approx. £40–£1,100

  • Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT): calculated via HMRC website

Timeframe:
Conveyancing usually takes 6–12 weeks from initial drafting, depending on the complexity of the transaction.

All conveyancing work is carried out or supervised by our Principal Partner or senior consultants with over 20 years of experience.

 

Uncontested Probate

Our fixed fees for probate matters are generally based on the value of the estate.

  • Estates up to £500,000: 6%

  • £500,001 – £2,000,000: 4%

  • Over £2,000,000: 2%

Services covered:

  • Advising on process and timelines

  • Preparing and filing inheritance tax forms

  • Preparing oaths/affidavits

  • Applying for the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration

  • Liaising with banks and asset holders

Additional disbursements may include:

  • Probate court fee (currently £215 for estates over £5,000)

  • Bankruptcy checks: £2.90 per beneficiary

  • London Gazette notices: approx. £200

  • Bank transfer fee: £17 per transaction

If title transfer of real estate is required post-probate, we apply our standard conveyancing charges.

Probate timeframes:
Straightforward estates: 3–6 months from when all documents are provided. Complex estates may take longer depending on asset structures, number of beneficiaries, or HMRC delays.

Probate matters are conducted or supervised by our Principal Partner and qualified solicitors with more than 20 years of experience.

 

Terms of Payment

For fixed fee arrangements, our fees are payable:

  • Upon completion of the matter, or

  • Within 3 months of engagement—whichever occurs first

If unexpected complexities arise that require additional work, we will charge at our standard hourly rates, subject to prior agreement.

 

Late Payment Terms

  • Private clients: Invoices overdue by more than 28 days may be subject to 4% annual interest above the Bank of England base rate.

  • Corporate clients: Interest may be charged in accordance with the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.

 

Disbursements

Disbursements are third-party costs incurred on your behalf. These may include:

  • Court fees

  • Land Registry fees

  • Expert reports or translation

  • Barrister fees

  • Travel or courier expenses

  • Legal searches

We provide an estimate at the outset of your case and may request payment in advance to cover anticipated disbursements.

 

Value Added Tax (VAT)

All fees and disbursements quoted are exclusive of VAT, which is currently charged at 20% where applicable.

Whether VAT applies depends on your location and the nature of the service provided. We will confirm your VAT position when you instruct us.

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