FEES & FUNDING

What it costs, and how you can pay for it

Legal costs are the thing people worry about most and ask about least. Here’s how ours work — and how to check whether you’re already covered.

Our promise

No surprises

Before we start work, you’ll receive a written estimate setting out the scope, the likely cost, and what could change it. If circumstances change, we tell you before the costs do — not afterwards on an invoice.

Fixed fees

Available for many types of work, so you know the total before you commit. [List which services.]

Hourly rates

For work where the scope can’t be known upfront. Rates are set out below, and we give you a realistic estimate of total hours.

Legal expenses insurance

Many home, motor and business policies include cover for legal costs — and most people don’t know they have it. Check your policy before you pay us anything.

Price transparency

Prices for specific services

The SRA requires firms to publish prices for certain services. Ours are set out below, along with what’s included, what isn’t, and how long the work usually takes.

Build note — delete before launchThis section is a regulatory requirement, not marketing. The firm's COLP must confirm which of Castara's services fall in scope and supply the figures. Each in-scope service needs: the price or the basis of charging, what is and isn't included, likely disbursements (with VAT treatment stated), typical timescales and key stages, and the qualifications and experience of the people doing the work.

[In-scope service 1 — e.g. Employment tribunal claim (unfair or wrongful dismissal)]

Our fees: [£X–£Y plus VAT, or hourly rate and estimated hours]

What’s included: [Itemise the stages covered]

What’s not included: [Be explicit — this is where complaints start]

Disbursements: [Court fees, search fees, counsel’s fees — state whether VAT applies to each]

How long it takes: [Typical timescale and the key stages]

Who will do the work: [Name, role, qualification and experience — or link to their profile]

[In-scope service 2 — e.g. Debt recovery]

Our fees: [£X–£Y plus VAT, or hourly rate and estimated hours]

What’s included: [Itemise the stages covered]

What’s not included: [Be explicit — this is where complaints start]

Disbursements: [Court fees, search fees, counsel’s fees — state whether VAT applies to each]

How long it takes: [Typical timescale and the key stages]

Who will do the work: [Name, role, qualification and experience — or link to their profile]

[In-scope service 3 — e.g. Motoring offences (summary only)]

Our fees: [£X–£Y plus VAT, or hourly rate and estimated hours]

What’s included: [Itemise the stages covered]

What’s not included: [Be explicit — this is where complaints start]

Disbursements: [Court fees, search fees, counsel’s fees — state whether VAT applies to each]

How long it takes: [Typical timescale and the key stages]

Who will do the work: [Name, role, qualification and experience — or link to their profile]

Prices are correct as at [date] and are reviewed [frequency]. VAT is charged at the prevailing rate. Every matter is different — we will give you a tailored estimate before any work begins.

Common questions

The questions people are too polite to ask

Will the first conversation cost me anything?

[State clearly — free initial call, fixed-fee first appointment, or chargeable. Ambiguity here loses enquiries.]

How do I know the bill won't run away?

[Explain the estimate, the update process, and any cap or staged billing you offer.]

Might my insurance already cover this?

Often, yes. Legal expenses cover is bundled into many home, motor and business policies. Check your policy documents, or send them to us and we’ll look.

Can I pay in instalments?

[State the firm’s position — payment plans, staged payments, or not offered.]

Not sure what your matter would cost?

Tell us what’s happened and we’ll give you a realistic estimate before you commit to anything.

30 seconds, no essay

Request a callback

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Or call us now on 029 2089 5100