Only because you asked nicely!
This is a sample of a S. 68 letter in a matrimonial case. But you'll get the drift.
Because it is rather tedious, clients tend not to read it which is why they have to sign a copy of it.
Finally, in any case we deal with, a great deal depends on the clients, the colleagues and the facts. A difficult client coupled with a difficult colleague is a nightmare scenario.
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"The Solicitors Amendment Act of 1994 obliges us to provide you with details in writing of the basis upon which you will be charged for our services.
It may or may not happen, but if all goes smoothly, and a Separation Agreement can be swiftly negotiated, your fee will be in the region of €XX.00 plus VAT @ 21%. There will be a further fee payable if any conveyancing or additional work requires to be done to implement a settlement. We think that it is likely that we will bring ZZZZZZZZZZZZ, barrister, in for any negotiations and her fees will be c. €XXX. 00 plus VAT. If we need to institute Court proceedings to implement any aspect of an agreement, there will be a further fee of c. €XXXX.00 plus VAT. If we run into difficulties or delays on the way, then it really pushes up the costs.
If the case goes to Court for a full hearing we are advising you that we estimate that fees, outlays and Counsels fees will amount to €XXX.00 inclusive of Counsels fees and VAT. These are the minimum figures that the case will cost you. This figure assumes your complete co-operation and that of your husband/wife and a smooth passage of the matter through the court lists and one half days hearing in the Circuit Court. It does not include an estimate of any sums that you may be ordered to pay by way of costs to your husband/wife - see later. In the event of the matter escalating ( i.e. any interim orders) or being appealed to the High Court our fees will be increased and we will advise you of same as the matter progresses.
We suspect that the case will settle at some interim stage and we think that your fees should come in at around €XX.00 inclusive of Counsels fees and VAT but only time will tell.
When the Separation Agreement or proceedings are finally concluded, you will be furnished with a detailed bill setting out details of the legal services provided to you, the outcome of the proceedings with a copy of any Court order, and details of any property transfer orders or sums of money that have been paid by your spouse or have to be paid by you in discharge of any such order.
The bill of costs will clearly distinguish between the fee charged, V.A.T. @21% payable on same, any outlays (including your barristers fee) and any other disbursements or expenses incurred by this Company on your behalf in connection with the action.
As discussed earlier, you will be responsible for discharging these costs and it is very important that you, at this stage, recognise just how expensive court proceedings can be.
The Solicitors Amendment Act of 1994 further obliges us to explain to you what can happen as regards Court Orders for costs. If this matter goes for full hearing, it is likely that the Court will make an order requiring you to pay your own costs. It may in addition ( but this is highly unlikely) order you to pay a proportion, if not all, of your husband's/wife’s costs. Those costs are called Party and Party costs. They are drawn according to agreed terms and are figures that the County Registrar or Taxing Master would allow if the costs were to be adjudicated on. If it is not possible to agree costs, which we would estimate, for full settlement, at anything up to €XXXXX.00 we must advise you to proceed to taxation and, unfortunately, any expenses (up to €XX.00) incurred in doing that must also be borne by you.
Party and Party costs do not cover all the costs associated with an action and all other costs are called Solicitor/Client costs. Any costs charged by us will be fully explained to you and, if you feel that they are excessive, then you are entitled to call for those fees to be taxed before the County Registrar.
We appreciate that on receipt of this letter you may wish to call us to seek further clarification and we will be pleased to discuss any aspect of the letter with you. We would remind you that this is a standard letter that we are obliged by Law to issue to all our clients and you will appreciate that it does help to alleviate any problems that may arise in the future about the terms of our engagement."