Legal Fees

At Martin Shepherd Solicitors, we keep our legal fees clear and straightforward. Whether you need a remortgage conveyancing quote, help with buying or selling property, support with debt recovery, or guidance on wills and probate, our pricing is outlined so you know exactly what to expect. We work with clients across Potters Bar, Hertford, and North Finchley, serving North London and Hertfordshire.

Quick links to our pricing information

Find fee details for our most common legal services

The fees listed on this page are provided as a guide to help you understand typical costs for our services. Every client’s situation is unique, so we recommend contacting us for a tailored quote that reflects your specific requirements.

All Service Fees

We aim to provide clear information about fees from the outset, so you can make informed decisions about how you would like us to support you.

Initial Consultation

We offer an initial consultation where we will discuss your matter and the outcome you are seeking.
The fee for this meeting is £300 (inclusive of VAT).

During the consultation, we will:

  • Discuss your circumstances and objectives
  • Outline the likely next steps
  • Provide an indication of timescales
  • Explain the fee structure that may apply if you choose to proceed

There is no obligation to instruct us after this meeting. It is an opportunity to understand your position and consider your options.

Hourly Rate

If you choose to instruct us following the initial consultation, our work is charged at an hourly rate of £275 plus VAT, unless a fixed fee is agreed for a specific piece of work.

We will always:

  • Explain how fees are applied
  • Provide updates on costs as your matter progresses
  • Discuss any change in work required before additional fees are incurred

Conveyancing

TYPE OF FEE

Sale of Freehold and Leasehold properties

Purchase of Freehold and Leasehold properties

Up to £450,000

£1670

£1825

£450,000 – £600,000 

£1970

£2025

£600,000 – £900,000

£2070

£2325

£900,000 – £1,200,000

£2325

£3050

£1,200,000 – £1,600,000

£2825

£4070

Over £1,600,000

Please enquire

Please enquire

Sale of Freehold and Leasehold properties

TYPE OF FEE

COST

TT Fee (per electronic transfer)

£30.00 + VAT

Mortgage Lender Fee (if applicable)

£100.00 + VAT

Leasehold Supplement (if applicable)

£175 + VAT

VOI/ AML Check (per seller)

£14.40 + VAT

Verification of Proof of Funds

£4.80+ VAT

Archive Fee

£25.00 + VAT

Disbusements

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Land Registry fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

TYPE OF FEE

COST

Stamp Duty Land Tax

Variable

Standard Search Pack

£280.00

(May vary depending on local authority search fees)

Land Registry Fee

Variable: £20.00 – £500.00

(See  HM Land Registry: Registration Services fees – GOV.UK)

Lender Panel fee

£35.00 + VAT

Land Registry Title Official Search of (whole with priority fee)

£7.00

Bankruptcy Search Fee (per name)

£6.00

Notice of Transfer Fee

Variable: £100.00 – £200.00 + VAT

Notice of Charge Fee (if property is to be mortgaged)

Variable: £100.00 – £200.00 + VAT

Deed of Covenant Fee

Variable: £100.00 – £200.00 + VAT

Certificate of Compliance Fee

Variable: £75.00 – £200.00 + VAT

LMS (if applicable)

£42.00

Purchase of Freehold and Leasehold properties

TYPE OF FEE

COST

Acting on behalf of your Mortgage Lender (per lender)

£175.00 + VAT

Leasehold Supplement (if applicable)

£250.00 + VAT

Rentcharge Fee (if applicable)

£175.00 + VAT

Tenant in Situ Fee

£125.00 + VAT

Company Purchase Fee (if buying through a limited company)

£175 + VAT

Share of Freehold Supplement

£300.00 + VAT

Help to Buy Loan Redemption/Assistance

£450.00 + VAT

Help to Buy ISA Fee

£50.00 + VAT

Stamp Duty Land Tax Form Completion

£100.00 + VAT

Searches Administration

£25.00 + VAT

Telegraphic Transfer (TT) Fee (per transfer of funds)

£30.00 + VAT

VOI/ AML Check (per person)

(Note: If you are instructing us on a purchase also, this fee is only paid once per person)

£14.40 + VAT

File Archive Fee

£25.00 + VAT

Professional Indemnity Fee

£75.00 + VAT

Disbursement

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Land Registry fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

TYPE OF FEE

COST

Land Registry Office Copy Entries, per title

£7.00

Management Pack 

Approx. £300.00 + VAT

LMS (if applicable)

£42.00

Remortgaging

Remortgage conveyancing fees typically range from £500 to £750 plus VAT, depending on the complexity of the transaction. There may also be additional disbursements, such as Land Registry fees or search costs. For an accurate quote tailored to your circumstances, please contact us and we’ll be happy to provide a detailed estimate.

Debt Recovery

These costs apply only to undisputed unpaid invoices where enforcement is not required. If your claim is disputed, we will discuss the additional work involved and provide revised cost estimates. This may be a fixed fee (for example, a one-off letter) or charged at our hourly rate.

We do not take on debt recovery cases under £10,000.

Our fee is £275 plus VAT per hour. On average, it takes around five hours to obtain judgment in default. The court fee is 5% of the debt claimed.

  • If the debt is paid after the initial letter before action, the cost is about £550 plus VAT plus the court fee.
  • If the debt is paid after judgment in default, the cost is about £1,375 plus VAT plus the court fee.

Please note:

  • VAT on our fees cannot be reclaimed from the debtor.
  • Interest and compensation may increase the debt and therefore the costs.
  • These costs do not include enforcement action, such as using bailiffs.

What our fee covers:
✓ Reviewing your instructions and documents.
✓ Carrying out relevant searches.
✓ Sending a letter before action.
✓ Receiving and forwarding payment, or if unpaid, issuing a claim.
✓ Applying for judgment in default where no response is received.
✓ Requesting payment once judgment is granted.
✓ Advising you on next steps if payment is still not made.

Timescales:
Debt recovery typically takes 4–18 weeks, depending on whether a court claim is required. If judgment in default is needed, the longer timeframe applies, assuming prompt payment once judgment is made.

If the other side files an Acknowledgment of Service or Defence, we will provide updated costs and timescales. These matters continue to be charged at £275 plus VAT per hour.

Enforcement:
If enforcement is necessary, the case is transferred to the High Court. The court fee is £66 and enforcement usually takes about three hours (estimated fee £825 plus VAT). We will advise you on the most suitable enforcement method and provide a full breakdown of likely fees and third-party costs.

Divorce & Dissolution

We know that dealing with family law matters can be challenging. Our aim is to give you clarity from the outset so you can focus on what matters most.

After your initial consultation, if you choose to instruct us and your case remains uncontested (and no personal or deemed service is required), our standard fees are:

  • £500 plus VAT — for applications where you are the applicant.
  • £300 plus VAT — where your spouse is applying and your matter remains uncontested.

In addition, there is a court fee of £612 (as at 1 April 2025) for issuing a divorce application.

Terms and conditions apply — These fees are applicable in uncomplicated, uncontested cases only. If your situation changes (such as becoming contested, requiring service, involving jurisdiction issues, children’s arrangements or complex finances) we will talk through any additional costs with you before moving forward.

Family & Litigation

£150 + VAT
An initial fixed fee meeting to discuss your situation, likely outcomes, timescales, and estimated costs.
Appointments are available in person or via Microsoft Teams.

This reduced-price consultation gives you clear, practical advice before deciding on next steps.

Wills and Probate

Wills & LPAs

TYPE OF FEE

COST

Standard Single Will

£325 + VAT

(Theydon Bois/ Essex)

(£375 + VAT)

Mirror Wills (Couples)

£425 + VAT

(Theydon Bois/ Essex)

(£470 + VAT)

Codicil (Existing Clients)

£275 + VAT

Codicil (Couples)

£375 + VAT

Severance of JT

£350 + VAT + £27 LR Fees

Single Property & Financial Affairs/ Health & Welfare LPA including registration

£500 + VAT + £92 Reg Fee

(Theydon Bois/ Essex)

(£600 + VAT £92 Reg Fee)

Both Property & Financial Affairs/ Health & Welfare LPA including registration

£750 + VAT + £92 Reg Fee

(Theydon Bois/ Essex)

(£900 + VAT + £92 Reg Fee)

Pair of LPA’s for a couple including registration

(£750 + VAT + Disbursements + £92 reg fee per LPA)

(Theydon Bois/ Essex)

(£900 + VAT + Disbursements + £92 reg fee per LPA)

Both a Property & Financial Affairs LPA & Health & Wellness LPA for couples including registration

£1200 + VAT + £92 reg fee per LPA

(Theydon Bois/ Essex)

(£1400 + VAT + £92 reg fee per LPA)

Registration of an EPA

£600 + VAT + Disbursements 

(Theydon Bois/ Essex)

(£600 + VAT + Disbursments)

We are able to offer home visits where needed. The cost for this will depend on factors such as the distance involved, the number of visits required, and whether we are meeting with an individual or a couple. On average, fees range between £200 and £300. We will always discuss this with you in advance and confirm the fee on a case-by-case basis before any appointment is arranged.

Probate

  • Hourly rate: £275 + VAT
  • One-off charge for professional indemnity cover: £75 + VAT

Included in Our Service

Our fees for probate and estate administration typically cover:

  • Identifying executors, beneficiaries, and the type of Grant required
  • Preparing the application, inheritance tax forms, and witness statement
  • Applying to the Probate Registry and supplying sealed copies
  • Collecting and distributing assets (if instructed)

Grant of Probate Only

  • Without full inheritance account: 5–6 hours (£1,650–£2,200 + VAT)
  • With full inheritance account: 6–8 hours (£1,925–£2,750 + VAT)
  • Timescale: typically around 4 months (longer if HMRC clearance is required)

Full Estate Administration

  • Where inheritance tax is not payable: 10–12 hours (£2,750–£3,300 + VAT)
  • Where inheritance tax is payable: 10–15 hours (£3,300–£3,850 + VAT)
  • Timescale: several months, depending on property sales, tax returns, or complex estate requirements

Disbursements (third-party costs)

  • Probate Court Fee: £300
  • Copies of Grant: £1.50 each
  • Land Registry entries: £3 each
  • Bankruptcy search: £6 per name (overseas £100–£300 + VAT)
  • Certificate searches: £11 each
  • Creditor notices: £250–£300 + VAT

Potential Additional Costs

Extra charges may apply if:

  • There is no Will
  • Numerous or overseas assets are involved
  • Beneficiaries are missing, abroad, or in dispute
  • Business or commercial property is included
  • Property sales or income tax work is required
  • HMRC treats the estate as “complex”