Funding Your Legal Fees
Quality legal representation should not depend solely on your current financial position. We offer a range of funding options — including Sears Tooth agreements secured against the matrimonial home.
We explain all costs clearly before any work begins. No hidden fees, no surprises — just honest advice about what your case is likely to cost and how you can fund it.
Sears Tooth Agreements
Own a Property? You May Not Need Savings to Fund Your Case
If you jointly own the matrimonial home, a Sears Tooth agreement allows us to secure our fees against your share of the property. You pay nothing upfront — fees are deducted when the property is sold or transferred. This option is particularly valuable for non-working spouses or those with limited income who might otherwise feel unable to access specialist legal advice.
Important — Legal Aid
PDA Law does not accept legal aid cases.
We are a private client practice. All family law matters are handled on a private fee basis. If you are seeking legal aid funding, we are unable to assist — please visit the Legal Aid Agency website to find a registered provider. If you do not qualify for legal aid, we may still be able to help through a Sears Tooth agreement or payment plan.
Your Options
How You Can Fund Your Legal Fees
We will always discuss funding with you at the outset. Here are the main options available to family law clients.
Private Fees
The most common route for our clients
Most of our family law clients fund their representation privately. We provide a clear, written cost estimate before any work begins — no hidden extras, no surprises. For straightforward matters such as no-fault divorce, we offer fixed fees so you know exactly what you will pay.
- Fixed-fee divorce from £750 plus VAT and the court fee (£593)
- Hourly rate work for contested matters — always agreed in writing first
- Regular billing so you stay in control of costs throughout
- Cost updates provided at every significant stage
Sears Tooth Agreements
Own a property? You may be able to fund fees through your share of the matrimonial home
A Sears Tooth agreement allows you to defer payment of your legal fees until the matrimonial home is sold or transferred. Your solicitor's fees are secured against your share of the property — meaning you do not need savings or income to access quality legal representation.
- No upfront payment required — fees secured against your property share
- Particularly suitable for non-working or lower-income spouses
- Fees deducted from your share of proceeds when the property is sold or transferred
- Gives you access to specialist representation regardless of your current financial position
- Subject to assessment of your circumstances and the equity available
If you jointly own a property with your spouse, a Sears Tooth agreement may mean you can access the same quality of legal representation as a privately funded client — without needing savings or income to pay upfront.
Payment Plans
Spreading the cost of legal fees
We understand that legal fees can feel daunting. In appropriate circumstances, we are able to discuss payment plans that allow you to spread the cost of your legal representation over time. We will always be transparent about what is and is not possible.
- Staged payments aligned to key milestones in your case
- Discussed and agreed in writing before work begins
- Available for certain types of matter — subject to assessment
- We will always be honest about what we can offer
Legal Aid — Not Available at PDA Law
We are a private client practice and do not accept legal aid cases
PDA Law does not accept legal aid cases. We are a private client practice and all family law matters are handled on a private fee basis. If you are seeking legal aid funding, we are unable to take on your matter — please contact the Legal Aid Agency to find a registered provider.
- PDA Law does not hold a legal aid contract and cannot accept legal aid instructions
- Legal aid for family law is in any event very limited in England and Wales — available only in cases involving domestic abuse or child protection, and subject to strict means testing
- If you are unsure whether you qualify for legal aid, the Legal Aid Agency website can help you check eligibility
- If you do not qualify for legal aid, we can discuss private funding options including Sears Tooth agreements and payment plans
Many clients initially hope to qualify for legal aid but do not meet the eligibility criteria. If that applies to you, please do not be discouraged — we can explore Sears Tooth agreements and payment plans that may make private representation more accessible than you expect.
At a Glance
Funding Options Compared
| Option | Upfront Cost | Best Suited To | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Fees | Yes — as billed | Employed / income-earning clients | Always available |
| Sears Tooth Agreement | No — deferred to property sale | Non-working spouses / limited income with property equity | Subject to assessment |
| Payment Plan | Staged payments | Clients who prefer to spread costs | Subject to assessment |
| Legal Aid | No — if eligible | Domestic abuse / child protection cases only | Very limited |
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Sears Tooth agreement?
A Sears Tooth agreement is an arrangement under which your solicitor's fees are secured against your interest in the matrimonial home. Rather than paying fees as you go, the costs are deducted from your share of the property when it is sold or transferred. It is named after a 1993 case that established the legal basis for this type of arrangement.
Can I get a Sears Tooth agreement if I don't own the property outright?
You do not need to own the property outright. A Sears Tooth agreement can be used where you have a beneficial interest in the matrimonial home — even if there is a mortgage. The key requirement is that there is sufficient equity in the property to cover the anticipated legal fees.
Do I qualify for legal aid for my divorce?
Legal aid for divorce and financial settlements is not available in most cases. It is only available where there is evidence of domestic abuse or where child protection issues are involved, and even then it is subject to strict means testing. We can advise you on whether you might qualify and, if not, what other funding options are available.
How much will my family law case cost?
Costs vary depending on the complexity of your case and whether it is contested. A straightforward no-fault divorce starts from £750 plus VAT and the court fee. Financial settlements and children matters are more variable — we will always provide a written cost estimate before any work begins and keep you updated throughout.
What if I can't afford to pay for a solicitor?
If you own or jointly own a property, a Sears Tooth agreement may allow you to access quality legal representation without upfront payment. We will always explore all available options with you. We believe that access to specialist legal advice should not depend solely on your current financial position.
Discuss Your Options
Speak to a Family Law Specialist
We will explain all funding options clearly — including whether a Sears Tooth agreement may be right for you.
Prefer to speak with us? Call 01244 757352