For straightforward matters we will endeavour to charge a fixed fee to include disbursements such as legalisation fees, postage, consular agent fees, courier fees, travelling expenses and translating costs.
For more complex or time-consuming matters the fee will be based on our hourly rate of £350, subject to a minimum fee of £180, plus disbursements. The fee charged may include time spent on preliminary advice, drafting and preparation, telephone calls, correspondence, arranging legalisation and record keeping.
Some documents require legalisation before they will be accepted for use in the receiving jurisdiction. This may involve obtaining an apostille through the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and, for some countries, additional legalisation through the relevant embassy or consulate. We will advise of the specific costs once what is required has been confirmed.
Where we are required to make payments on your behalf, your prior approval will be obtained and you will normally be required to make payment in advance of any such amounts. Disbursements may include:
When acting as Commissioner of Oaths for documents for use in England and Wales, we charge the statutory fee of £5.00 per oath, affirmation or declaration and £2.00 per exhibit.
Occasionally unforeseen or unusual issues arise during the course of a matter which may result in a revision of our fee estimate. Examples include where additional documents are required to be notarised, additional translations or legalisations are needed, or third party fees are adjusted to reflect external factors. We will notify you of any changes to our fee estimate as soon as possible.