In England and Wales, a family solicitor may charge an hourly rate, often around £150–£350 plus VAT, although rates vary by location and experience. Your total budget may need to cover the initial meeting, correspondence, negotiations, preparing a child arrangements application, court hearings, barrister’s fees and any expert or court-appointed reports. Some firms offer fixed-fee stages, but ask what is included and what happens if the matter becomes contested. You may qualify for legal aid in limited circumstances, so check GOV.UK and consider speaking to an SRA-regulated family solicitor for an estimate based on your case.