At Stephensons, we're here to assist you with all the important things in life. We work hard for and with you, understanding your concerns and putting your best interests first and we're always conscious of your budget and timeframe.
For legal advice from our specialist solicitors, call us on 01616 966 229. For more information on any of our services please select from the departments below.
Legal services for you
Frequently asked questions
Do you offer free advice?
Whilst we may not be able to offer free advice, our new business advisors will be able to discuss your enquiry with you, give you your options moving forward, confirm costs should we be able to assist or, if not, signpost you to someone else who can. The initial discussion does not cost you anything.
Are the Bolton, Warrington and London offices open to the public?
These offices are by appointment only. Each office address can still be used for mail and client meeting purposes should your matter require a face-to-face appointment.
Can you explain why your fees are higher than some other firms?
Whilst we understand legal work can be very expensive our firm is very transparent regarding our fees. There are no hidden costs, and our fees are reviewed regularly in line with industry standards. Where applicable we will always look for alternate funding options if they are available
Why can’t I get legal aid?
The Ministry of Justice decide what types of legal work is included and excluded from the legal aid scheme. For some areas of law legal aid is unavailable to everyone. In areas of law which are included in the scheme, the Ministry of Justice have also set the qualifying criteria for, which in many cases include both a merits and a means assessment. Your case might not meet the merits test if it does not have a reasonable prospect of success or the cost of pursuing the case is disproportionate to the potential benefits.You may not meet the means test if your household’s financial situation does not meet the eligibility thresholds.
Do I qualify for no win no fee?
No win no fee funding arrangements are only suitable for specific types of cases. These include personal injury, clinical negligence, civil disputes and employment claims. Your case must also have reasonable prospects of success to qualify for no win no fee. If your claim succeeds, you'll typically pay a 'success fee' that compensates the solicitor for the risk of your claim being unsuccessful and the solicitor not being paid at all for the work they put into your case.
For that reason, decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
Do I need to attend the office?
Whilst we are more than happy to welcome clients into our offices if this is their preference we are proud to be able to offer a number of alternatives including:
- Initial enquiries via live chat
- Advice appointments over the telephone
- Video conferencing with our legal experts
- Remote document signature
- Home and hospital visits are available for some services
- Apps to track your conveyancing transaction
- Online family law instruction tool using artificial intelligence
- Remote ID
We can take your initial instructions and progress your case over the telephone or if you would like a video conference this can easily be arranged - all you need is access to the internet and a device with a camera. Many applications and submissions to court can be made without the need to visit a solicitor’s office. Our legal experts can complete the application forms over the telephone with you and submit it on your behalf.
Is your firm SRA regulated?
Yes, you can find the relevant information here.
In addition to this Stephensons is appointed to act as intervention agents by the regulator. We are one of the few firms in the country appointed to the panel by the Solicitors Regulation Authority to do this work.
Can I speak to a solicitor straight away?
Unfortunately, solicitors can't always be available straight away for several reasons. Often a solicitor’s time will need to booked in advance and paid for. To assure the smoothest journey possible we advise speaking to our new business team who can offer some guidance on services we offer and potential costs.
What is payment on account?
Payment on account means that payment must be received before any work is undertaken or costs incurred on your case.
If matters are based on hourly rate, then payment methods will be discussed before instruction.
Payments on account can be made directly on our website here.
Why do I need to pay a consultation fee, and will I get it back if my prospects are unsuccessful?
Understandably most case matters are complex and may require further investigation to offer advice and advise on prospects such as review of documentation or a meeting with a client. To reduce cost this is usually at a fixed rate and timeframe. As a solicitor will be conducting the work their fee is non-refundable.