Frequently Asked Questions
Walsh Day Mihal Bassett prides itself on being professional, approachable and flexible. If you have any questions which are not answered below, please don't hesitate to call us and discuss your issue directly.Is it worth seeing a lawyer about this?
In many situations, paying for good legal advice is like paying an insurance premium.
If you are buying or selling an asset, borrowing or lending money or preparing a will, you should take legal advice to ensure that you do not make any mistakes which could cost you or your family in the future.
Will you charge me for my first appointment?
If we cannot help you, we will not charge for telling you so.
If you have a question about what we can do for you, or whether it is worth making a claim for compensation, you should make an appointment to discuss the case. We usually charge nothing if the case is not worth pursuing. If it is difficult to find out whether your case is worth pursuing, we will charge you for our research.
In conveyancing matters, we do not charge extra for reviewing your contract before you sign it and we strongly recommend that you take advantage of this. Taking legal advice before you sign the contract can save you heartache and expense.
How much will it cost?
Most legal fees are set at an hourly rate for general work, and a set price for writing letters, taking telephone calls and performing other tasks. The rates vary according to the area of law.
Conveyancing, sale of business, and estate costs are determined by the value of the assets changing hands.
We are happy to give a costs estimate before your appointment or at the commencement of your matter. Please telephone and ask. If you have a limited budget, we can limit our work to ensure that you do not end up with a bill that you can't afford to pay.
In some matters, such as successful compensation claims, you can recover most of your costs from the other party. If you think you may be eligible for compensation, please contact us.
What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
Your glasses! And:
- If you are going to make a Will, Power of Attorney or Guardianship Order, you should make sure you know the full name and address (including correct spelling) of the people who will be your executors, attorneys or guardians.
- If you are in a dispute with someone or you wish to make a claim for compensation, bring as much paperwork (evidence) as you can, and notes about exactly what happened and the date and time that it happened.
- the full name and address of each party;
- the exact description of the assets (including any chattels) changing hands and their agreed value;
- the date for settlement;
- whether there is to be a deposit and if so, how much and when it is to be paid;
- whether the contract will be conditional on anything, such as the buyer obtaining a loan or selling a property.