Price transparency
Useful pricing explains scope, assumptions and people.
Look beyond the headline figure to the work included, people responsible, likely third-party payments and assumptions behind the quote.
Current pricing
Fees are not yet published on this preview.
A useful legal price needs the service scope, assumptions, people doing the work, likely third-party payments and factors that could change the figure. A headline number without that context can make comparisons harder rather than easier.
When online enquiries open, service-specific pricing and scope information should match the actual delivery model and current regulatory requirements.
SRA transparency rules
Advertised services can trigger specific publication duties.
The SRA Transparency Rules require regulated firms that publish availability of specified services to provide prescribed information about price and service. The list includes residential conveyancing and uncontested probate, alongside other categories.
The information must be clear and accessible and should help a prospective client understand total or average cost where practicable, the basis of charges, likely third-party payments, service scope, key stages, timing and the experience or qualifications of those carrying out and supervising the work.
A useful quote
Compare like with like by reading the assumptions.
- Legal fee and whether VAT applies
- Payments to third parties and what each covers
- Work included, excluded and treated as additional
- Assumptions about complexity, value, tenure or parties
- People carrying out and supervising the work
- Likely stages, dependencies and update process
The people and process
A quote should explain more than the headline number.
Look for the fee basis, people carrying out and supervising the work, third-party costs, VAT treatment, matter assumptions, exclusions, likely stages, timescales and update process.
If the facts or scope change, ask for the effect on work, timing and cost to be explained before anything continues beyond the agreed basis.
Questions to clarify
Common questions at this stage.
These answers are general orientation for England and Wales, not advice on a particular matter.
Why not publish example fees?
An example without a current delivery model and assumptions could be mistaken for a genuine offer. This preview does not publish a price until it can be supported accurately.
Are third-party payments part of legal fees?
They should be distinguished clearly. A quote should explain likely payments to third parties, their purpose and applicable tax treatment where known.
Can a legal estimate change?
Circumstances and scope can change. The engagement should explain assumptions and how material cost changes will be communicated.
Official starting points
Check the current source.
These official links support general orientation only. They do not replace advice about a particular matter.
Compare the full service
Read the scope and assumptions before comparing figures.
Ask what is included, which third-party payments may arise, who will do the work and how changes will be handled.