Timely submission of account of expenses

Your account, consisting of your fees and outlays, must be submitted to us no later than four months after the conclusion of the proceedings. This time limit shall begin from the last entry that we consider to be a genuine step in proceedings.

The last entry does not include:

  • A reminder letter.
  • A letter asking your client if they want further advice following a file review.
  • A letter closing the file (although the letter is chargeable, it does not constitute work in connection with the conduct of the proceedings).

We may accept accounts submitted later than the 4 month limit, if we consider that there is a special reason for this.

Examples of a possible “special reason” are:

  • The lengthy incapacity or death of the nominated solicitor
  • Fire or other accidental damage to your office
  • Significant disruption of your administration.

We are unlikely to accept forgetfulness, ignorance of the regulations, lack of staff or a law accountant’s delay as special reasons.

Preparation of account expenses
Essential information to include in an account

In this section

Submission of accounts

Preparation of account expenses

Find out about whether you can charge for preparing, submitting or negotiating a children’s legal aid account.

Submission of accounts

Essential information to include in an account

Find out about what essential information should be included in an account of expenses.

Submission of accounts

Account entries – narrative

Find out how detailed the narrative in your account needs to be in order to explain the entry.

Submission of accounts

Related or linked accounts

Find out when to submit separate accounts and when to submit only one account where there are conjoined proceedings for multiple children.

Submission of accounts

Supporting documentation to submit with an account

Find out what documentation should be lodged when submitting an account for a case including documentation for proofs, appeals and termination/variation of CPO.