Our Fees
This is the Rutherford Sheridan private client fee schedule. It sets out our indicative fees for family law and children’s matters, immigration, asylum and criminal defence work, together with our hourly rates and general terms.
Important information
All figures are indicative and exclude VAT and outlays unless stated otherwise. A tailored written estimate will be provided after the circumstances, complexity and likely scope of work are assessed.
Fixed fees cover the stated scope only. Additional work is charged at the applicable hourly rate unless a further fixed fee is agreed in writing.
Family law and children’s matters
Fixed and indicative professional fees for common family and children’s matters. VAT and outlays are additional. Find out more about our family law services and Children’s Hearings representation.
| Service | Professional fee | Scope / additional charges |
|---|---|---|
| Children’s Hearing | £600 per hearing | Travel where the hearing is outside Glasgow, plus all outlays and VAT. |
| Appeals against Children’s Hearings | £750 where the case is disposed of at the appeal hearing | Travel where the hearing is outside Glasgow, plus all outlays and VAT. Additional fees charged at our hourly rates if the case is not disposed of at the first hearing. |
| Undefended section 11 case | £1,200 | Straightforward undefended application. VAT and outlays additional. |
| Minute of Agreement | £1,200 | Straightforward case and initial agreed scope. VAT and outlays additional; negotiation, substantial revisions or complex provisions may increase the fee. |
| Simplified divorce | £500 | VAT and outlays additional. Available where the statutory procedure is suitable and the matter is straightforward. |
| Ordinary undefended divorce | £1,200 | VAT and outlays additional. Where simplified is not available and affidavits are required. |
Immigration
Indicative fees for immigration applications. These are estimated block fees for one applicant. Find out more about our asylum and immigration services.
| Service | Professional fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa extension | £1,000–£1,500 | More complex applications may cost more. |
| Partner / spousal visa: initial application | £1,200–£1,500 | Indicative fee for one applicant. |
| Settlement based on family or long residence | £1,000–£2,000 | Fee depends on complexity and evidence required. |
| Settlement after five years as a refugee | £500 | Indicative fee. |
| Naturalisation as a British citizen: adult or child | £1,000–£1,500 | Indicative fee. |
| Travel document or certificate of travel | £500 | Indicative fee. |
| Other immigration applications | Quoted individually | A written estimate will be provided after review. |
Applications involving family members
The immigration figures above are estimated block fees for one applicant. Where additional family members or dependants apply at the same time, a discounted rate may be available. Interpreter charges, expert reports, court lodging fees and other outlays are not included.
Asylum
Asylum fees are shown as starting points. The final estimate depends on the work involved and the complexity of the case. VAT and outlays are additional.
| Service | Professional fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Asylum claim | From £1,500 | The final estimate depends on the work and complexity involved. |
| Appeal to the First-tier Tribunal | From £1,500 | The final estimate depends on complexity, evidence and hearing requirements. |
Criminal defence
Indicative professional fees for criminal defence work at Glasgow courts. Additional trial days, travel outside Glasgow, VAT and outlays are charged on top. Find out more about our criminal defence services.
| Service / stage | Professional fee | Scope / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Justice of the Peace Court | £800 | Up to and including one day of trial. Additional trial days cost more. |
| Summary case: preparation to Intermediate Diet | £700 | A further £700 covers one day of trial. |
| Summary case: one day of trial | £700 additional | Costs may increase with complexity, witnesses and increased disclosure. This figure does not reflect a DASA case. |
| Solemn case | Quoted individually | Price agreed after the case is assessed. |
Court location
Criminal fees are based on appearances at Glasgow courts. Travel time and travel costs are added for matters outside Glasgow. VAT and other outlays are additional.
Hourly rates
Additional work beyond the stated scope of a fixed fee is charged at the applicable hourly rate unless a further fixed fee is agreed in writing. Rates are shown both excluding and including VAT. The VAT-inclusive figures assume a 20% VAT rate.
| Fee earner | Hourly rate excl. VAT | Hourly rate incl. VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Director | £200 | £240 |
| Associate | £180 | £216 |
| Solicitor | £150 | £180 |
| Trainee / paralegal | £120 | £144 |
Six-minute units
Where work is charged by time, it is recorded in six-minute units. You will be told who is likely to carry out the work and the applicable rate.
Typical family case costs
These ranges are broad planning estimates for professional fees. They are not fixed quotes. They will vary with the issues in dispute, volume of documents, negotiations, court procedure, witnesses, expert evidence and the conduct of the other party. VAT and outlays are additional.
| Matter | Simple | Moderate | Complex / contested |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce without child issues | £1,500–£3,000 | £3,000–£6,000 | £6,000–£15,000 |
| Divorce involving child issues | £2,500–£4,000 | £4,000–£8,000 | £8,000–£20,000 |
| Financial provision only | £2,000–£3,500 | £3,500–£7,000 | £7,000–£25,000 |
| Child arrangements / section 11 dispute | £1,500–£3,000 | £3,000–£6,000 | £6,000–£15,000 |
| Cohabitation dispute | £2,000–£4,000 | £4,000–£8,000 | £8,000–£20,000 |
Keeping you informed about costs
At the outset, we will provide an estimate based on the information available. We will review costs as the case develops and tell you if the likely cost changes materially.
Outlays can include court fees, sheriff officer fees, counsel, experts, interpreters, travel and other third-party charges.
General terms
- VAT is charged at the prevailing rate. The VAT-inclusive hourly figures above assume a 20% VAT rate.
- Outlays are paid to third parties and are separate from our professional fees.
- Unless expressly stated, a fixed fee does not include appeals, additional hearings, enforcement, extensive negotiations, substantial amendments, expert evidence or work arising from unexpected complexity.
- We may request funds on account before work begins or before significant outlays are incurred.
- This schedule is a general guide only. The engagement letter and written estimate issued for your matter take priority.
Every matter is different. A tailored written estimate will be provided once your circumstances, the complexity and the likely scope of work have been assessed.