Funding your legal fees

At Starke Family Law, we understand that funding legal fees can be a significant concern during an already stressful time. We are committed to supporting you with high-quality advice delivered with empathy and care, regardless of how you choose to fund your legal fees. Here, we outline various options to help you manage and fund your legal fees effectively.

1. Your own resources

You may have your own income or savings to pay your legal fees as and when they are billed.

2. Family and friends

Some clients arrange financial support from family or friends. This type of arrangement can be flexible and typically does not come with high interest rates, however:

Soft loan vs. Hard Loan

• Clearly document the terms of any loan to avoid disputes and ensure it is considered appropriately in the financial settlement.
• The court will look at the reality of whether repayment will be enforced.
• Be cautious, as ‘family loans’ can sometimes be challenged by the other party as not being genuine debts.

3. Commerical or specialist loans

While we at Starke Family Law are not licensed to provide financial advice, there are a number of specialist lenders that fund family law cases.

• The lending decision Is based on the circumstances of each individual case.
• They are typically secured against your capital assets.
• The solicitor is asked to provide key information inc. the likely value of the financial settlement and the loan amount needed to reach the conclusion of the case.

Alternatively, there is the option of securing a commercial loan from a high street bank.

We encourage you to seek guidance from an IFA, as it is important to understand interest rates and repayment schedules.

4. Interim Financial Provision

Where there is a significant imbalance in your and your former’s partner’s finances, the court can order them to pay your legal fees. This is known as a Legal Services Payment Order (LSPO). The court will need detailed evidence of financial circumstances and proof that you have explored other funding options.

5. Other side Pays Voluntarily

If your former partner has sufficient resources, they might agree to pay your legal fees, without the need of applying to court