WILKS
PRICE HOUNSLOW SOLICITORS
Costs and expenses
The
cost of using a Solicitor is often a worry. It depends on what you need doing.
This is one of the first things which we would sort out on receiving your
instructions. It is in both our interests that
everyone is clear about the cost before your case proceeds very far. Exact
figures are not quoted here as charges vary depending on the
nature of the task and disbursements and fees to 3rd parties are subject to
alteration without warning.
You
will not be committing yourself to a huge bill just by contacting us. We will
be happy to provide a quote or guidance as to likely costs for your specific
case.
CONVEYANCING
Buying a house or flat is a big decision and we are
aware can cause a lot of stress.
We will be happy to give you a quote based on all the factors which
effect your case. Flats are often cheaper to buy
but may present more complex problems than a house so ask us for a quote. There
are certain standard costs which have to be paid in buying land. These are
called by lawyers Disbursements. They include things like National and Local
Search fees, Land Registration Fees, money transfer fees and depending
on purchase price Inland Revenue
Stamp Duty.
Contact Kerry or Sam for a quote during office hours.
Email Kerry Rowe kerryR@wphiow.co.uk
PROBATE and Wills
Paul Wilks or his assistants will be happy to give
you a quote for a will. Straight
forward wills are currently aproximatly £100 and £150for a married couple.
Email Paul paulW@wphiow.co.uk
CRIME
POLICE STATION DUTY SOLICITOR
If you are arrested or at the police station as a
voluntary attendee you are entitled to free legal advice from either your
solicitor of choice or the POLICE STATION DUTY SOLICITOR who on the Island is
one of 9 Rota members form private firms including John Hounslow who run a
rolling 24 hour duty arrangement. So the duty person is not in any way a 2nd class option.
Do not be put off calling a lawyer. he or she may be able to help by phone and
if not the slight delay may save you from serious consequences . It is
especially important if you feel you are innocent to have someone on your side.
Even if you feel you are guilty you may well benefit from the advice of some
one who can avoid you getting yourself in to even more trouble. There are
restrictions on the right to have a Duty Solicitor attend at the Police station
in certain cases, mainly ones where nothing would be achieved by attendance.
Examples include
·
arrests on non-appearance warrants where the detained
person must be kept in custody until the next available court.
·
Drink driving cases where there are no other factors.
But you are not entitled to delay
the drink driving test procedure until you have spoken to the Solicitor.
You are still entitled to speak to a solicitor on the
phone about such the matter.
COURT DUTY SOLICITOR
There is a similar duty scheme at the Magistrates
Court initial advice and possibly representation will be available free from
the COURT DUTY SOLICITOR at a first hearing.
There are restrictions placed upon us as to who we
can help Since May 2004 we can not
·
Advise or speak for persons facing charges where the
maximum penalty does not include prison. If you can not possibly go to jail for
the offence the Government has decided you are either on your own or if you
want a Solicitor you or some one on your behalf will have to pay. (Have you
checked with your insurance company especially if it is a driving matter.)
·
What we can not do as Duty Solicitor is run a not
guilty trial. As duty on the day of hearing all we can do is advise you briefly
and on the day of trial that is often to late to do much good. So if you have a
case which needs a Solicitor get him involved as soon as possible. If not at
the station then as soon as you can.
·
But If you are in the court sells we are always
allowed to help what ever the charge.
The COURT DUTY SOLICITOR Rota is run by the same people
as the POLICE STATION DUTY SOLICITOR scheme. There are currently 9 members on
the Isle of Wight Rota.
LEGAL AID
Legal Aid may be available for many types of Criminal
Cases. This is something we would expect to sort out at an early stage possibly
at the first court hearing. Proof of means is essential. Bring to court proof
of any state benefit claimed or 13 weeks pay details plus proof of mortgage or
rent and debts. If you are charged with a motoring matter always bring both
parts of your licence. Failure to
do so could cause a long wait or even an adjournment. Only in Crown Court cases
is there currently any possiblity of you paying a contribution to your own
defence costs. If relevent the details will be explained.
FAMILY MATTERS
This includes divorce and financial disputes
following on from a separation or Divorce as well as Residence and contact
disputes about children. Legal Help or other type of financial assistance with
the cost of the case may be available and we will look in to that at the first
interview. If you are not eligible for help we will try to give you as clear as
clear an idea of probable costs as we can and keep you updated as the case
progresses. It is of course sometimes difficult to predict exact costs in
advance because of the possibility of circumstances changing. The stance of
your opponent will effect the cost as well.
There are ongoing changes to publicly funded legal services which will effect your rights and freedom of choice. Mostly these are availability and costs restrictions to reduce the cost to Government.
[ HOME ] [FIND US ] [ CONTACT] [ ABOUT US] [LINKS ] [INFO]
We are always improving the site and apologise for any missing links
9 Garfield Road Ryde
Isle of Wight
PO33 2PS
Telephone 01983 566241 Fax 01983 616880
Email John Hounslow on
john@seax.demon.co.uk
Last updated 4.1.2005