Independent · Approachable · UK-based
AJW Legal
Consultancy
Professional legal advice, explained clearly. Consultations and practical document support for individuals and small businesses in England and Wales. Experienced advisers, fixed fees for defined work and tailored quotes for complex matters — agreed before you commit.
Independent legal consultancy with access to SRA-regulated solicitors, barristers and King's Counsel. Reserved court work is carried out through appropriately authorised professionals, not by AJW as a regulated firm.
Our Expertise
Specialist Expertise & Personal Service
We take the time to understand your situation and explain your options without unnecessary jargon. From a focused consultation to detailed document support, you receive a clear scope of work and an agreed fee. Our professional connections include highly experienced solicitors, barristers and King's Counsel, with preferential rates where available. We help you explore the right level of specialist support for your case.
Experienced Legal Specialists
Your matter is informed by highly experienced practitioners: consultants who are qualified solicitors with 30+ years in their own field, and barristers at the Bar — including King's Counsel where a case warrants it.
Preferential Specialist Fees
Because we work closely with these specialists, we can often help you obtain a discounted rate compared with approaching them directly. Any rate, and who will be instructed, is confirmed in writing before you commit.
Coordinated Legal Support
A single consultation covers where you stand, what the realistic options cost and who, if anyone, should be instructed next — instead of paying several advisers to reach the same conclusion.
Access to King's Counsel and senior counsel
For matters that genuinely need it, we can help explore an instruction with top-performing barristers, including KC. Where our connection makes a preferential rate available, we tell you before you commit. Instruction always depends on the barrister's own acceptance and terms, and their fees are separate from our consultancy charge — set out in writing so you can see the total before you decide.
Ask about specialist representationPractice Areas
Legal Services & Areas of Practice
Start with the help you need: a consultation, a review of your documents or preparation for your next step. We agree a defined piece of work rather than assuming you need full representation. Where proceedings or other reserved work are needed, we can arrange access to SRA-regulated solicitors acting through appropriately authorised arrangements, subject to acceptance and agreed terms. Our guidance focuses on England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different laws and procedures; enquiries concerning either jurisdiction need separate assessment. The information below is general guidance, not advice on an individual case.
Legal Consultations & Advice
Discuss your situation, the documents that matter and what you want to achieve. Receive plain-English advice on your position, potential risks and realistic next steps.
Legal Drafting & Document Review
Help preparing letters before claim, draft claim particulars, responses, witness statements and evidence bundles, where this is unreserved work. The scope of each document is agreed with you first.
Solicitor-Led Court Applications
Access to SRA-regulated solicitors for court forms, claims, injunctions and enforcement under appropriately authorised arrangements. Before instruction, you receive confirmation of who will act, their regulated practice, the work covered, fees and complaints arrangements. AJW itself is not an SRA-authorised firm.
Civil Litigation, Tort & Personal Injury
A tort is a civil wrong that can give rise to compensation or another remedy. Claims depend on the legal duty, the facts, causation and the loss suffered — not every unfair act is actionable.
Negligence & injury
Road traffic and motor accident claims; workplace accidents; occupiers’ liability for injuries on premises; clinical and professional negligence; and defective-product injury claims. Recoverable losses may include pain and suffering, lost earnings, treatment, care and future needs, supported by medical and financial evidence.
Intentional wrongs & interference
Assault (causing apprehension of immediate unlawful force), battery (unlawful physical contact), false imprisonment and trespass to land or goods. Wrongful interference with goods includes conversion, such as dealing with another person’s property inconsistently with their rights.
Property, reputation & privacy
Private and public nuisance, the limited rule in Rylands v Fletcher for escapes of dangerous things, defamation through libel or slander, misuse of private information, and statutory harassment claims. Each has distinct thresholds, defences and remedies.
Economic & public-office wrongs
Deceit and fraudulent misrepresentation, negligent misstatement, inducing breach of contract, unlawful means and conspiracy, and misfeasance in public office. We explain the main recognised tort categories, evidence requirements, compensation, injunctions and relevant time limits.
Debt Recovery & Money Claims
Advice on unpaid invoices, loans, contractual disputes and money claims in the County Court or High Court where appropriate. We help assess evidence, proportionality and recovery prospects; an appropriately authorised solicitor can handle proceedings under an agreed instruction.
Before court action
Reviewing the agreement, invoices, payment history and any defence; preparing a letter before claim under the applicable pre-action rules; and considering negotiation, repayment proposals or mediation before issuing proceedings.
County Court & High Court proceedings
Claim forms, particulars of claim, defences, counterclaims, default or summary judgment where appropriate, witness statements and hearing preparation. We explain court jurisdiction, claim value, allocation, fees, interest and costs risks. Issuing, filing, service and management of litigation can be undertaken by an appropriately authorised solicitor, subject to acceptance and written terms.
After judgment
A judgment does not automatically produce payment. Guidance covers instalment arrangements, applications to vary or set aside a judgment where grounds exist, and selecting an enforcement method based on the debtor’s income, assets and circumstances.
Judgment Enforcement & Recovery
Once a judgment remains unpaid, enforcement normally requires a further application. We explain how to obtain the appropriate order, what it can reach and whether the likely recovery justifies the fees.
Warrant of control
Applying to the County Court for a warrant allowing an enforcement agent to take control of eligible goods and, if necessary, sell them. Notice, exempt goods, entry restrictions and the debtor’s ability to apply to suspend the warrant all matter.
High Court writ of control
Where eligible, transferring a County Court judgment to the High Court for enforcement and obtaining a writ of control executed by a High Court enforcement officer. Not all judgments can be transferred; Consumer Credit Act-regulated judgments have specific restrictions.
Attachment of earnings order
Applying for deductions from an employed debtor’s wages, subject to court-set repayment and protected earnings rates. This is not the appropriate route for a self-employed or unemployed debtor; the court considers their means.
Third-party debt order
Seeking an interim order to freeze qualifying money owed to the debtor by a third party — commonly funds in a bank account — followed by a hearing for a final order. Account ownership, the balance when the order is served and hardship objections can affect recovery.
Charging orders & asset enquiries
Applying for a charge over qualifying property or securities, with a separate order-for-sale application needed to seek a sale. An order to obtain information can require a debtor to attend court and disclose their finances; insolvency action is a separate route with strict conditions.
Possession, delivery & other enforcement
Where applicable: warrants or writs of possession to recover property, warrants or writs of delivery for goods, and specialist advice on receivers by way of equitable execution. The available method depends on the judgment, assets and court permission; not every method is available in every case. Authorised solicitors handle reserved applications, and enforcement is carried out by the appropriate court officers or authorised enforcement agents.
Criminal Defence & Police Station Advice
Understanding allegations, evidence, police procedure and the route through the Magistrates’ Court or Crown Court. For police-station representation or court advocacy, an appropriately qualified solicitor or barrister may be required.
Summary-only offences
Generally heard in the Magistrates’ Court: common assault and battery, speeding, driving without insurance and many other motoring offences. Not every motoring offence is summary-only, and limited exceptions can allow common assault to be included on a Crown Court indictment.
Either-way & indictable-only offences
Either-way offences, such as theft and section 20 grievous bodily harm (GBH) or unlawful wounding, may be tried in either court depending on allocation and election. Murder, manslaughter, rape, perverting the course of justice and section 18 GBH with intent are indictable-only and tried in the Crown Court after initial Magistrates’ Court proceedings.
Police powers & PACE 1984 rights
Guidance on stop and search, arrest, detention, interviews and the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 codes. This includes free independent legal advice at the police station, having someone informed of an arrest (subject to lawful exceptions), access to the codes and appropriate-adult safeguards. Remaining silent can have legal consequences in some circumstances; obtain legal advice before interview.
Decisions & possible outcomes
Depending on the evidence and eligibility: no further action, an available out-of-court disposal such as a simple or conditional caution, charge, or acquittal at trial. Cautions generally require an admission and consent and may have disclosure consequences. Following conviction, outcomes may include an absolute or conditional discharge, a fine, a community order or custody.
Suspended sentences & completion
Where legally available, a custodial sentence may be suspended, with requirements and an operational period set by the court. Compliance and avoiding further offending are essential; breach or a new offence can activate custody. Successful completion does not erase the conviction. A discharge is a separate sentencing outcome, not another name for completing a suspended sentence; spent-conviction and disclosure rules vary.
Family Law & Protective Injunctions
Sensitive, practical guidance on protection, separation and arrangements for children, with safety and the welfare of the child at the centre of the discussion.
Non-molestation & occupation orders
Advice on protection from abuse, threats or harassment by an associated person, and occupation orders governing who can live in or enter the family home. SRA-regulated solicitors working through appropriately authorised arrangements can prepare and carry out court applications, including form FL401, supporting witness statements, urgent without-notice relief where justified, service and return hearings. Breach of a non-molestation order can be a criminal offence.
Children & separation
Guidance on child arrangements, parental responsibility, specific issue and prohibited steps orders, and safeguarding concerns. We discuss mediation and the usual MIAM requirement before relevant court applications, including domestic-abuse and urgency exemptions.
Divorce & finances
Explaining no-fault divorce and dissolution, financial disclosure, property, pensions, maintenance and consent orders. A divorce alone does not settle financial claims; specialist representation may be needed for contested proceedings or complex assets. In immediate danger, call 999.
Other protective & civil injunctions
Advice on harassment injunctions and other appropriate civil remedies, including urgent interim relief. Domestic abuse protection orders may be relevant where the scheme is available. Eligibility, evidence, notice, undertakings and the consequences of breach differ by order; an authorised solicitor assesses the correct application and any reserved court work.
Employment Law & Workplace Disputes
Guidance for workplace disputes, from contractual rights and fair treatment to dismissal, settlement discussions and Employment Tribunal proceedings.
Pay, contracts & workplace rights
Employment status, written terms, unlawful deductions from wages, holiday pay, notice, working time, redundancy and breach of contract. Rights can differ for employees, workers and self-employed people; qualifying service may affect some claims.
Dismissal, discrimination & whistleblowing
Unfair and wrongful dismissal, discrimination under the Equality Act 2010, harassment, victimisation and reasonable adjustments for disability. We also explain protected disclosures and whistleblowing detriment or dismissal, disciplinary procedures, grievances and the relevance of the Acas Code.
Resolution & tribunal claims
Considering negotiation, Acas Early Conciliation and Employment Tribunal claims. Many claims have a short deadline, often three months less one day; the applicable claim and conciliation rules affect the calculation. Settlement agreements require advice from an eligible independent adviser to meet statutory conditions.
Debt, Financial Guidance & Insolvency
General information on personal debt and insolvency in England and Wales, including budgeting, dealing with creditors and understanding formal solutions. Personal recommendations about regulated credit debts and arranging or managing repayments require an appropriately authorised or exempt debt adviser; SRA status alone does not establish permission for these activities.
Creditors, repayment plans & Breathing Space
Understanding priority debts, income and expenditure, creditor correspondence, repayment proposals and debt management plans. We can explain these options generally and direct you to an appropriately authorised or exempt adviser for regulated debt advice, creditor negotiations or setting up and managing a plan. Breathing Space eligibility is assessed through a qualifying debt adviser; a pause on eligible enforcement does not write off the debt.
IVAs, debt relief orders & bankruptcy
Comparing an individual voluntary arrangement, a debt relief order and bankruptcy, including eligibility, fees, excluded debts and the effect on your home, assets, employment and credit record. An IVA requires a licensed insolvency practitioner; a debt relief order application goes through an approved intermediary.
Choosing the appropriate next step
Not every debt is released on discharge, and secured debts require separate consideration. We explain the options and when an authorised debt adviser or licensed insolvency practitioner is needed, including access to free independent debt advice from services such as MoneyHelper, National Debtline and StepChange.
Property, Housing & Possession Proceedings
Guidance for landlords, tenants and homeowners on possession disputes, rent arrears and mortgage repossession. An appropriately authorised solicitor can handle court proceedings under an agreed instruction.
Possession & repossession orders
Reviewing notices, grounds for possession, tenancy or mortgage documents, arrears and applicable pre-action requirements. Solicitor-led work can include claim forms, supporting particulars, defences and hearings, subject to the correct procedure and current law.
Preventing or delaying loss of a home
Assessing repayment proposals, defences and applications to suspend or vary an order or warrant where the law permits. Act promptly on notices and hearing dates; free housing advice or legal aid may be available when your home is at risk.
Housing disputes & enforcement
Unlawful eviction, harassment, tenancy disputes, disrepair and deposit issues where applicable. Obtaining a possession order is distinct from enforcing it; eviction must follow the lawful court and enforcement process rather than self-help.
Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney & Estate Planning
Private-client advice on recording your wishes, protecting your interests and planning for the people who matter to you. Wills and lasting powers of attorney can be prepared within an agreed scope, with specialist solicitor input where needed.
Last will and testament
Advice, drafting and review covering executors, beneficiaries, specific gifts, the residuary estate and guardians for children where appropriate. Codicils or a replacement will may be suitable when circumstances change. Signing, witnessing, capacity and freedom from undue influence are essential to validity.
Property & financial affairs lasting power of attorney
Preparing an LPA to appoint attorneys for matters such as bank accounts, bills, property and finances, with advice on preferences, instructions and safeguards. Registration with the Office of the Public Guardian is required before use; with your permission it can be used while you still have capacity.
Health & welfare lasting power of attorney
Preparing an LPA for decisions about care, living arrangements and medical treatment, including your choice about life-sustaining treatment. This LPA can be used only when you lack capacity for the relevant decision. Both types need the required signatures, witnesses and certificate provider, and OPG registration fees are separate unless included.
Changes & personal circumstances
Reviewing whether an existing will reflects your wishes and discussing changes in family circumstances. Blended families, overseas assets, trusts, tax issues or concerns about capacity may require a suitably experienced specialist.
Estates, trusts & capacity matters
Initial guidance on estate administration, executor duties, inheritance disputes and when trust, tax or Court of Protection advice is needed. Reserved probate activities and court proceedings must be handled by an appropriately authorised professional under a separate agreed instruction, not by AJW as an unregulated consultancy.
Discuss Your Legal Matter
Get in touch and we will point you in the right direction — honestly and without obligation.
Ask usFees & Pricing
Fixed Fees & Tailored Quotations
AJW is a small, independent consultancy. We offer fixed costs for defined work, such as court-claim document support, and individual quotes for more complex cases. We explain the options and their costs so you can make an informed choice. The scope, fee, payment terms and any applicable VAT are confirmed in writing before you authorise work. An enquiry is not a paid consultation or a commitment to proceed.
Fixed-Fee Services
For an agreed piece of work, including court-claim drafting and document support where unreserved, we confirm a fixed fee and exactly what it covers. If you act in person, you remain responsible for issuing, filing and serving your claim. If an authorised solicitor is instructed, their written terms identify the court work they take on. Court fees and other charges are separate unless expressly included.
Complex Matters & Bespoke Quotes
Where a case needs more detailed review or specialist advice, we provide a quote tailored to the work involved. Discuss your budget with us before deciding; any extra work or fee change needs your agreement first.
01 · Discuss your needs
Tell us the issue, your priorities and any urgent deadlines. We first establish whether the work is suitable for our consultancy.
02 · Agree the work & fee
Your written quote identifies what is included and excluded. Where a specialist can be secured at a discounted rate through our connections, the quote shows it. Court fees, expert reports, barristers and other third-party costs are separate from our consultancy fee unless expressly included.
03 · Choose whether to proceed
You decide whether to accept. Any additional work or revised fee needs your agreement first. Advice can identify risks and options, but no result or recovery is guaranteed.
A quote specific to your matter, agreed before work begins.
Every case starts with a consultation
Each matter needs a consultation so we can assess the facts, give an honest view of the merits and realistic prospects of success, and confirm a written quotation. The ranges below are a guide: the final fee depends on complexity and urgency. Our fees include VAT. Court fees are set by HM Courts & Tribunals Service, paid on top and may change; Help with Fees can reduce them.
Consultation Options
Initial Case Assessment
£49 – £69
30 minutes · phone or video
- Review of the key facts and documents you send
- Honest view on merits and realistic prospects of success
- Written fixed fee or quotation for next steps
- Fee credited against your first piece of work if you instruct us
Full Advice Consultation
£95 – £145
60 minutes · in depth
- Detailed review of documents and evidence
- Options, risks, costs and likely timescales explained
- Short written summary of advice and action points
- Fee credited if you instruct us within 28 days
Senior Specialist Consultation
From £195
Senior solicitor or barrister, including KC
- Arranged through our professional connections
- Preferential rate secured where available
- Specialist fee confirmed in writing before booking
- Suited to complex, high-value or serious matters
Price Guide by Practice Area
Civil & Tort Law
Letter before claim (pre-action protocol)
Our fee: £79 – £149
Court fee: None
Money claim drafting (N1 / Money Claim Online)
Issue fee depends on claim value; 5% of claims between £10,000 and £200,000
Our fee: £149 – £349
Court fee: £35 – £10,000
Defence or counterclaim drafting
Counterclaims carry the same fee as a claim of that value
Our fee: £149 – £349
Court fee: None – as claim fee
Request for default judgment
Our fee: £49 – £79
Court fee: None
General application (N244)
£123 by consent or without notice; £313 on notice
Our fee: £125 – £295
Court fee: £123 – £313
Application to set aside a CCJ
Our fee: £195 – £395
Court fee: £313
Small claims hearing preparation & witness statements
Hearing fee depends on claim value
Our fee: £195 – £495
Court fee: £27 – £346
Personal injury, police & public-body claims
Assessed at consultation; no-win-no-fee may be available through a partner firm
Our fee: By quotation
Court fee: Varies
Debt Recovery & Judgment Enforcement
Charging order
Our fee: £149 – £199
Court fee: £139
Third-party debt order
Our fee: £149 – £199
Court fee: £139
Attachment of earnings order
Our fee: £125 – £175
Court fee: £139
Judgment summons
Our fee: £149 – £199
Court fee: £139
Order for debtor to attend court for questioning
Our fee: £69 – £99
Court fee: £100
Warrant of control (County Court bailiff)
Our fee: £125 – £175
Court fee: £96
Transfer up & High Court writ of control (HCEO)
High Court Enforcement Officer statutory fees are usually recovered from the debtor
Our fee: £175 – £295
Court fee: £78
Possession order (landlord / property)
Our fee: £295 – £595
Court fee: £404
Family Law
Non-molestation or occupation order application
Our fee: £295 – £695
Court fee: None
Child arrangements application (C100)
Mediation (MIAM) usually required first unless exempt
Our fee: £295 – £595
Court fee: £263
Divorce application support
Our fee: £295 – £495
Court fee: £612
Financial consent order
Our fee: £295 – £595
Court fee: £60
Criminal Law
There is no court fee to defend a criminal charge or to appeal a Magistrates’ Court decision to the Crown Court. A fine, victim surcharge, compensation order or prosecution costs is ordered at the end of a case, usually after a conviction. Free, independent advice is always available at the police station through the duty solicitor, whatever your income. Our fees cover private advice, preparation and arranging representation.
Police station & PACE rights consultation
What to say in interview, how silence can be treated, bail conditions and the PACE 1984 codes explained before you are questioned.
Our fee: £69 – £125
Heard at: Police station
Caution & non-conviction record advice
Whether accepting a caution or conditional caution is sensible. Both need an admission and your consent, and disclosure rules differ from a conviction.
Our fee: £99 – £249
Heard at: Police station
Representations against charge (pre-charge)
Written representations for no further action or an out-of-court disposal. No court fee applies at this stage.
Our fee: £99 – £295
Heard at: CPS / police
DBS, filtering & spent-conviction advice
What you must disclose for a job, licence or travel, how filtering works, and how to challenge an inaccurate or unlawfully retained record.
Our fee: £99 – £249
Heard at: Police / DBS
Bail application or variation
No court fee. A second application generally needs new circumstances or a change in the law, so the first application matters.
Our fee: £149 – £295
Heard at: Magistrates' Court
Summary-only motoring offence
Speeding, no insurance, mobile phone use, failing to provide a specimen. Includes penalty-points and totting-up analysis, and an exceptional-hardship argument where a disqualification would cost you your livelihood.
Our fee: £149 – £295
Heard at: Magistrates' Court
Mitigation, plea letter & character references
Sentencing-guideline review, the early guilty plea reduction explained, and help gathering character references before sentencing.
Our fee: £149 – £295
Heard at: Magistrates' or Crown
Common assault, battery & harassment defence
Summary-only allegations, with advice on any ancillary order the court can make alongside sentence, such as a restraining order.
Our fee: £175 – £395
Heard at: Magistrates' Court
Disclosure & evidence review
The prosecution file and unused material reviewed: CCTV, phone and device data, cell log, witness accounts and expert evidence.
Our fee: £195 – £495
Heard at: Magistrates' or Crown
Either-way offence: allocation & trial preparation
Theft, actual bodily harm, section 20 GBH, drug possession. Advice on allocation, whether to elect the Crown Court, and the sentence risk either way.
Our fee: £249 – £695
Heard at: Magistrates' or Crown
Post-conviction appeal advice
Appeal against conviction or sentence, case stated to the High Court, Court of Appeal, or a Criminal Cases Review Commission referral. The CCRC is free to apply to, usually once ordinary appeal routes have been used, and appeal time limits are short.
Our fee: £249 – £695
Heard at: Crown / High Court
Confiscation & proceeds of crime
Benefit figures, available assets and the prosecution statement reviewed, with representations made before an order is finalised. A confiscation order follows conviction and is worked out from the statutory rules, not a fixed tariff.
Our fee: £495 – £1,495
Heard at: Crown Court
Indictable-only allegation (serious)
Section 18 GBH with intent, rape, manslaughter, murder, perverting the course of justice. A senior solicitor, barrister or KC review is recommended; criminal legal aid may cover representation.
Our fee: From £750 · by quotation
Heard at: Crown Court
Court advocacy by a solicitor or barrister
Reserved advocacy is carried out by an authorised solicitor or barrister and their fee is confirmed in writing. Criminal legal aid may be available — we will tell you if it is.
Our fee: By quotation
Heard at: Magistrates' or Crown
Employment Law
Contract or settlement agreement review
Our fee: £149 – £295
Court fee: None
Grievance or appeal letter
Our fee: £95 – £195
Court fee: None
Employment Tribunal claim drafting (ET1)
ACAS early conciliation is required first
Our fee: £295 – £595
Court fee: None
Private Client, Wills & LPAs
Single will
Our fee: £195 – £345
Court fee: None
Mirror wills (couples)
Our fee: £295 – £495
Court fee: None
Lasting power of attorney (one type)
Office of the Public Guardian registration fee
Our fee: £195 – £295
Court fee: £92
Financial Guidance & Insolvency
Debt options consultation
Debt management plans are set up through an authorised debt adviser
Our fee: £69 – £125
Court fee: None
Creditor correspondence & dispute letters
Our fee: £79 – £195
Court fee: None
Bankruptcy or DRO guidance
DRO via approved intermediary; bankruptcy application to the Adjudicator
Our fee: £125 – £295
Court fee: £90 – £680
Packages
Bundled work at a better rate than booking each step separately.
Complete Debt Recovery
£395 – £695
+ court fees for claim and enforcement
- Pre-action protocol letter before claim
- Money claim drafted and prepared for issue
- Default judgment request or hearing preparation
- One enforcement method of your choice to CCJ enforcement
LPA Pair: Financial & Health
£345 – £495
+ £184 registration (2 × £92)
- Property & financial affairs LPA
- Health & welfare LPA
- Guidance on attorneys and certificate provider
- Registration support with the Office of the Public Guardian
Couples Wills & LPAs
£795 – £1,195
+ £368 registration (4 × £92)
- Mirror wills for both partners
- Both LPA types for each partner
- Signing and witnessing instructions
- One follow-up review within 12 months
Protective Order Package
£395 – £795
No court fee
- Urgent consultation and safety-focused advice
- Non-molestation and/or occupation order application
- Witness statement drafted with you
- Hearing preparation and next-step guidance
Employment Claim Package
£495 – £895
No tribunal fee
- Full case review and merits assessment
- Grievance or appeal letter
- ACAS early conciliation guidance
- ET1 claim drafting
Police & Criminal Advice Package
£295 – £595
No court fee to defend a charge
- Police station and PACE rights advice before interview
- Pre-charge representations where they are likely to help
- Disclosure and evidence review with a written merits view
- Hearing preparation, then referral to a solicitor or barrister for advocacy
Payment by invoice. We invoice for each agreed stage, payable by bank transfer. Court fees are paid directly to the court or invoiced at cost with no mark-up.
Regulated court work. Where an authorised solicitor or barrister carries out reserved court work, their fees and terms are confirmed in writing before you commit. No outcome is guaranteed.
Other funding & help with court fees
Private advice is not the only route. Legal aid, free police-station advice or court fee help may be relevant. AJW does not provide legal aid; applications go to the Legal Aid Agency, the court or a contracted provider. Help with court fees does not pay our consultancy charges.
Free advice at the police station
If you are questioned or arrested at a police station in England and Wales, you have the right to free, independent legal advice — from a solicitor of your choice or the independent duty solicitor on call. No means test and no legal aid application is needed for that advice, whatever you earn or save.
Criminal legal aid in court
Court representation is assessed separately. Magistrates' Court cases are usually tested against both the interests of justice and your means, and people on certain benefits commonly pass the means test automatically. Crown Court means testing can lead to income or capital contributions; if you are found not guilty at trial, contributions are normally returned with interest.
Civil legal aid — what it does and does not cover
Civil legal aid is narrower than many people assume. It can cover, among other matters, protecting you or a child from abuse or harassment, losing your home, family mediation and related finances or children cases where evidence of domestic abuse exists, discrimination, and challenging the way a public body has made a decision about you. It is generally unavailable for ordinary debt (unless your home is at risk), most personal injury claims, and employment disputes that do not involve discrimination. Financial eligibility turns on income and capital, with some benefits passporting the income test.
Police and public-authority claims
Most personal injury claims sit outside legal aid — but a claim in tort, or a damages claim, against a public authority that involves a significant breach of Convention rights can fall within scope. An unlawful arrest, false imprisonment or excessive-force claim may therefore be capable of assessment for public funding in a way an ordinary road accident claim is not.
Help with Fees — form EX160
If you cannot afford a court or tribunal fee, the Help with Fees remission scheme can reduce or remove it. Eligibility depends on your savings, income and the benefits you receive — including Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, and Universal Credit where annual earnings are below the set limit. Apply online or on form EX160, before or after paying; if you paid a fee within the last three months while eligible, you can ask for it back. The EX160C calculator indicates the level of help, and Scotland and Northern Ireland run separate schemes.
Applications that carry no court fee
Some applications attract no fee at all: applying for a non-molestation order, an occupation order or a domestic abuse protection order in England and Wales is free of court fee, and legal aid may cover legal costs where evidence of domestic abuse is provided. Employment Tribunal claim fees were abolished in 2017, so issuing a claim normally costs nothing — though Acas Early Conciliation is usually needed first. Other filings, such as a divorce application or a money claim, do carry fees, which is where a remission matters.
Other ways to fund a case
Where legal aid does not apply, other routes may: a conditional fee agreement ("no win, no fee") for a suitable personal injury claim; legal expenses insurance that can already sit inside a motor or home policy; trade union representation; and free specialist or charitable help — Law Centres, Citizens Advice, Rights of Women, Refuge, Women's Aid and the Men's Advice Line for abuse matters, and MoneyHelper, National Debtline or StepChange for debt.
Legal aid thresholds, fee levels and scope are revised regularly. Always check the current GOV.UK guidance or Civil Legal Advice before relying on a figure, and take advice early — funding decisions and limitation deadlines often run at the same time.
About AJW
Professional Experience & Client Care
AJW is a small, independent legal consultancy, not a firm of solicitors. We believe confidence starts with understanding who you are dealing with, what the work covers and what it will cost. Whether you are recovering a debt, facing criminal proceedings, resolving a workplace dispute, protecting your family, or holding a public body to account, we explain your options in plain English and help you take the right next step.
We are particularly passionate about educating people on their lawful rights — including under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 — so that power is never exercised over you unchecked.
When a matter needs specialist advocacy in court, we have access to top-performing barristers — including King's Counsel — and can help explore an appropriate referral. Where our connection makes a preferential rate available, we tell you before you commit. Instruction is subject to the barrister’s own acceptance and terms; their services and fees are separate from our consultancy charge and shown in your written quote.
Some of our consultants are qualified solicitors, each with more than 30 years' experience in their own field of practice. They work with us as consultants, so you draw on that depth of experience while AJW remains a consultancy rather than a firm of solicitors. We also have access to SRA-regulated solicitors who can carry out court applications and litigation through appropriately authorised arrangements. Their individual qualifications do not make AJW an SRA-regulated firm. Before any such work, we confirm the responsible solicitor and regulated practice, their authority to undertake it, and their terms, insurance and complaints arrangements.
We also bring strong professional connections across the legal sector, including barristers and King's Counsel, so we can help you explore the right specialist when a matter needs more than advice.
Clear scope, clear fees
Know what is included, what is not and what you will pay before work begins.
Practical focus
Focused consultations and useful documents, with realistic advice rather than promises of success.
Your choice to proceed
Ask questions about your adviser, the work and the quote before you decide.
Barristers & King's Counsel
Access to top-performing specialist advocacy, including KC, often at a preferential rate.
30+ years' experience
Some of our consultants are qualified solicitors, each with over 30 years in their field.
Professional connections
Established links across the legal sector, so the right specialist is close to hand.
Legal Information
Frequently Asked Questions
General information for England & Wales. Every case turns on its own facts — speak to us before relying on any of this.
Consultations, Fees & Professional Status
Can I arrange focused advice rather than full representation?
Yes. You can enquire about a consultation, a document review or another defined piece of work. We explain the scope and cost before you decide, and you are welcome to discuss your budget. We recommend specialist input where appropriate rather than assume every case needs senior counsel. If our service is not suitable, we can signpost other options, including free advice or funding where available.
Do you offer fixed fees or quote separately for complex cases?
We offer fixed costs for defined work, such as court-claim drafting and document support. More complex cases receive an individual quote. Your written quote confirms the scope, what is included, any applicable VAT and separate court or specialist charges before you authorise work. Where an authorised solicitor is instructed to issue, file, serve or manage proceedings, their terms must expressly cover those steps. Consultancy-only support does not transfer those responsibilities. Any additional work or changed fee needs your agreement first.
What will a consultation cost, and am I committed if I enquire?
An initial enquiry is not an agreement to paid work. We assess whether we can help, then confirm a written quote with the scope, fee basis, payment terms and any applicable VAT before you decide. Court fees and third-party charges are separate unless expressly included. Additional work or changes to the fee need your agreement first.
Are you a solicitors’ firm or regulated by the SRA?
AJW is an independent legal consultancy, not an SRA-authorised solicitors’ firm. Some consultants are qualified solicitors with over 30 years’ experience in their fields, and we have access to SRA-regulated solicitors for court work through appropriately authorised arrangements. Their regulation does not make AJW a regulated firm. Before instruction, we confirm who will act, the authorised practice or professional responsible, the work they accept, and the applicable insurance, complaints arrangements and regulatory protections. These are distinct from AJW’s consultancy terms.
Can you help draft my court documents and file a claim for me?
Yes, we can help with document preparation and arrange access to SRA-regulated solicitors to undertake court applications and litigation through appropriately authorised arrangements. Examples include non-molestation and occupation orders, money claims, possession proceedings and enforcement applications. Reserved work must be accepted and performed by a professional authorised for that work, under confirmed terms; it is not carried out by AJW as an SRA-authorised firm. If you choose consultancy support only and act in person, filing, service and managing the case remain your responsibility.
Can you prepare a will or lasting powers of attorney?
We can discuss drafting or reviewing your last will and testament and preparing property and financial affairs or health and welfare lasting powers of attorney. We agree the scope and fee first, with specialist input for complex estates, trusts or capacity issues. Wills must meet signing and witnessing requirements. LPAs need the required signatures, a certificate provider and registration with the Office of the Public Guardian; registration charges are separate unless expressly included. Reserved probate and court work require an appropriately authorised professional.
Can you advise on debt management plans or negotiate with creditors?
We provide general information on budgeting, creditor correspondence, debt management plans and insolvency options. Personal recommendations on regulated credit debts, negotiating repayments or setting up and managing a plan may require FCA authorisation or a relevant exemption. SRA regulation alone is not confirmation that a service is permitted. We direct this work to an appropriately authorised or exempt debt adviser, and formal insolvency work to the relevant licensed practitioner or approved intermediary. Free debt advice is also available through MoneyHelper, National Debtline and StepChange.
Do I get a better rate through AJW than approaching a barrister directly?
Often, yes. We work closely with senior barristers and solicitors, including King's Counsel, and that relationship can make a preferential rate available compared with approaching a specialist independently. Any rate we can obtain is confirmed in writing before you commit, together with who will act for you.
It is not a guarantee. A specialist's fees remain their own decision, instruction depends on their accepting the case, and their charges are separate from our consultancy fee. Where no discounted rate is available, we say so plainly rather than implying one.
Will you tell me if a different service is more appropriate?
Yes. We explain the limits of our service and when a regulated solicitor, barrister or other specialist is needed. Free police-station advice, legal aid, insurance or other support may be more appropriate in some cases. Any referral is subject to availability and acceptance, with the specialist’s fees and terms agreed separately. We do not promise a particular outcome.
Legal aid & funding
Is legal aid free, or will I have to pay part of it?
It can be either. Civil legal aid is means-tested on your income and capital. If you are below the lower limits (or receive a passporting benefit such as Universal Credit within the earnings limit) it is usually free in full. If you are between the lower and upper limits you may get legal aid but pay a monthly contribution from income and/or a lump sum from capital.
In criminal cases, police-station advice is always free. In the Magistrates' Court legal aid is either granted in full or refused on the means and interests-of-justice tests. In the Crown Court you may be asked to pay income contributions and, if convicted, a capital contribution — refunded with interest if you are acquitted.
Civil legal aid can also carry the 'statutory charge': if you recover money or property, some of your legal costs may be taken back from it.
If I am refused legal aid, what are my options?
You can ask for a review or appeal the decision, apply for Exceptional Case Funding where refusal would breach your human rights, use Help with Fees (EX160) to reduce court fees, or look at no-win-no-fee agreements, legal expenses insurance or trade union support.
Criminal law & police powers
What is the difference between summary, either-way and indictable offences?
Summary-only offences are the least serious and can only be tried in the Magistrates' Court — for example most motoring offences, common assault and criminal damage under £5,000.
Either-way offences, such as theft, ABH (s.47) and most burglaries, can be heard in either court. The magistrates decide whether their sentencing powers are enough; if they accept jurisdiction you may still elect a jury trial in the Crown Court.
Indictable-only offences — murder, manslaughter, rape, GBH with intent (s.18), robbery and perverting the course of justice — must be sent to the Crown Court and are tried by judge and jury.
What is the difference between police bail and 'released under investigation'?
Pre-charge bail means you are released with a date to return to the police station, and it can carry conditions (for example not contacting a witness or staying at an address). Initial bail lasts up to 3 months and extensions require more senior authorisation, and eventually a magistrates' court. Failing to answer bail is a criminal offence; breaching conditions gives the police a power of arrest.
Released under investigation (RUI) has no return date, no conditions and no statutory time limit. You are free to go about your life, but the investigation can continue for months and you may be re-contacted or charged by post (a 'postal requisition'). It is often worth asking for regular updates in writing.
How long can the police keep me in custody without charge?
Normally 24 hours from arrival at the station. A superintendent can extend this to 36 hours for an indictable offence, and magistrates can issue warrants of further detention up to a maximum of 96 hours. Terrorism cases follow separate rules. Your detention must be reviewed regularly by an inspector.
Should I answer 'no comment' in a police interview?
It depends on the evidence disclosed and your account. Under s.34 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 a court may draw an 'adverse inference' if you later rely on a fact you could reasonably have mentioned in interview. A prepared written statement is sometimes used to protect against this. This is exactly why free, independent advice before interview matters.
Will a caution show up on my record, and when is it spent?
A simple caution is spent immediately and a conditional caution after 3 months under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Both remain on the Police National Computer, and may still appear on standard or enhanced DBS checks unless they are filtered. A caution is an admission of guilt, so it should never be accepted without advice.
Civil claims, debt & enforcement
How long do I have to bring a claim against the police?
Time limits differ by claim: generally 6 years for false imprisonment, trespass or malicious prosecution; 3 years where the claim is for personal injury (for example assault/battery causing injury); and just 1 year for a Human Rights Act claim. A complaint to the force or IOPC does not stop the clock, so act early.
When can a county court judgment be enforced by a High Court Enforcement Officer?
A County Court judgment of £600 or more can usually be transferred up to the High Court for enforcement under a writ of control. Judgments over £5,000 generally must be enforced in the High Court, except debts regulated by the Consumer Credit Act 1974, which stay in the County Court. HCEOs can add statutory fees and often act faster than county court bailiffs.
Can I set aside a County Court Judgment made against me?
Yes, potentially. If you pay in full within one month it is removed from the register. Otherwise you can apply (form N244) to set it aside — as of right if it was entered wrongly, or at the court's discretion if you have a real prospect of defending and acted promptly.
Scenario
Scenario: arrested at home after a neighbour's allegation
Officers arrive at 6am, say a neighbour alleges you assaulted them, arrest you, and you are taken to custody. You are told the duty solicitor is busy and 'it'll be quicker' to be interviewed without one. Later you are released under investigation, and your phone has been seized.
- Was the arrest lawful? Under s.24 PACE the officer needed reasonable grounds to suspect an offence AND reasonable grounds to believe arrest was necessary (e.g. to allow a prompt and effective investigation). If a voluntary interview would have done, the arrest may be unlawful — supporting a false imprisonment claim.
- Your right to legal advice: free independent advice is a right under s.58 PACE and Code C. Delay is only permitted in narrow cases authorised by a superintendent. Being discouraged from a solicitor can make the interview inadmissible under s.76 or s.78 PACE.
- The interview: the allegation would usually be common assault (summary-only) or ABH (either-way) depending on injury, which affects where any trial takes place and the likely outcome — from no further action or a caution through to a fine, community order or suspended sentence.
- Your phone: property seized can be retained only for as long as necessary. You can request its return in writing and, if refused, apply to the magistrates' court under the Police (Property) Act 1897.
- Next steps: request your custody record, keep a timeline, consider a complaint, and note the limitation periods — 6 years for false imprisonment, 1 year if relying on the Human Rights Act.
Contact & Enquiries
Consultation & Case Enquiries
Tell us briefly what you need and any urgent deadline. We can discuss suitability and quote for a private consultation or a defined piece of work. Please do not send sensitive evidence with your initial enquiry.