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Payments & Invoices

This guide explains how payments work on eSolicitors, including invoicing, payment methods, and refunds.

Payment Types​

Upfront Payments​

Made when hiring:

  • Fixed Fees - Full payment for defined work
  • Deposits - Partial payment to start work
  • Money on Account - Funds held for hourly billing

Milestone Payments​

Paid at specific stages:

  • Payment due when milestones are reached
  • Agreed upfront when hiring
  • Common for larger matters

Ongoing Payments​

For hourly billing:

  • Monthly invoices
  • Payment as you go
  • Based on time spent

Final Payments​

At completion:

  • Settlement of outstanding amounts
  • Final invoice issued
  • Completion confirmed after payment

Payment Methods​

Credit/Debit Card​

  • Visa, Mastercard, American Express
  • Instant processing
  • Secure 3D authentication
  • Stored for future payments (optional)

Bank Transfer​

  • Direct to trust account
  • May take 1-3 business days
  • Reference provided for tracking
  • Larger payments often preferred

Direct Debit​

  • Set up for ongoing matters
  • Automatic payments
  • Convenient for monthly billing
  • Can be cancelled anytime

Making a Payment​

From Your Dashboard​

  1. Go to "My Cases"
  2. Select your case
  3. Click "Payments" or "Make Payment"
  4. Review the amount due
  5. Select payment method
  6. Complete payment
  7. Receive confirmation

From an Invoice​

  1. Open the invoice (email or dashboard)
  2. Click "Pay Now"
  3. Review the details
  4. Select payment method
  5. Complete payment
  6. Download receipt

Understanding Invoices​

Invoice Contents​

Every invoice includes:

SectionInformation
HeaderInvoice number, date, due date
FromSolicitor/firm details
ToYour details
DescriptionWork performed
Hours/ItemsTime or items billed
RateCost per hour or item
SubtotalAmount before VAT
VATTax amount (if applicable)
TotalAmount due
Payment TermsWhen payment is due

Invoice Statuses​

  • Draft - Not yet finalised
  • Pending - Awaiting your payment
  • Paid - Payment received
  • Overdue - Past due date
  • Disputed - Under review

Payment Security​

Your payments are protected by:

Secure Processing​

  • PCI DSS compliant payment processing
  • 256-bit SSL encryption
  • 3D Secure authentication

Trust Accounts​

  • Solicitor funds held in regulated trust accounts
  • Separated from solicitor's own money
  • Protected under SRA regulations

Payment Protection​

  • Funds released only for completed work
  • Disputes handled fairly
  • Refund process in place

Fees Explained​

Solicitor Fees​

What you pay your solicitor for:

  • Professional time and advice
  • Document preparation
  • Court attendance
  • Correspondence

Disbursements​

Third-party costs passed on to you:

  • Court fees
  • Search fees
  • Expert reports
  • Travel expenses
  • Land Registry fees

VAT​

  • Most legal services subject to 20% VAT
  • VAT shown separately on invoices
  • Some services may be exempt

eSolicitors Platform Fee​

  • Included in solicitor's quoted fee
  • No additional charge to you
  • Transparent pricing

Requesting a Quote Breakdown​

If you want more detail:

  1. Open the invoice or quote
  2. Click "Request Breakdown"
  3. Solicitor will provide detailed itemisation
  4. Review and ask questions if needed

Payment Disputes​

If You Disagree with a Charge​

  1. Review the invoice carefully - Understand what you're being charged for
  2. Check your agreement - Compare with original quote
  3. Contact your solicitor - Discuss the concern directly
  4. Use platform dispute - If not resolved
  5. Escalate if needed - eSolicitors support can help

Raising a Dispute​

  1. Go to the invoice in your dashboard
  2. Click "Dispute" or "Query Invoice"
  3. Select the reason
  4. Provide details of your concern
  5. Submit for review

Dispute Resolution​

  • Both parties asked to respond
  • Evidence reviewed
  • Fair resolution proposed
  • Escalation to external bodies if needed

Refunds​

When Refunds Apply​

  • Services not delivered
  • Early termination (unused portion)
  • Overcharging
  • Successful dispute

Refund Process​

  1. Refund approved or requested
  2. Processed within 5-10 business days
  3. Returned to original payment method
  4. Confirmation email sent

Refund Timelines​

Payment MethodRefund Time
Credit Card5-10 business days
Debit Card5-10 business days
Bank Transfer3-5 business days

Receipts and Records​

Downloading Receipts​

  1. Go to "Payments" in your dashboard
  2. Find the payment
  3. Click "Download Receipt"
  4. Save or print for your records

Tax Records​

  • All invoices stored in your dashboard
  • Download for tax purposes
  • VAT receipts for business expenses
  • Annual summaries available

Payment Plans​

Requesting a Payment Plan​

For larger fees, you may be able to arrange:

  1. Discuss with your solicitor
  2. Agree on payment schedule
  3. Set up recurring payments
  4. Automatic reminders sent

Typical Arrangements​

  • Monthly instalments
  • Stage payments
  • Extended payment terms

Note: Not all solicitors offer payment plans.

Late Payments​

Grace Period​

  • Most invoices have a due date
  • Short grace period usually applies
  • Contact solicitor if you need more time

Late Payment Consequences​

  • Late payment interest may apply
  • Work may be paused
  • Affects future services
  • Collection action possible

If You Can't Pay​

  1. Contact your solicitor immediately
  2. Explain your situation
  3. Request a payment plan
  4. Agree on next steps

Next Steps​

Remember: If you have any questions about payments, contact your solicitor or eSolicitors support.