Question 1

What does a Court of Protection costs draftsman do?

Accepted Answer

A Court of Protection costs draftsman prepares, presents, and manages detailed Bills of Costs for legal work carried out in Court of Protection cases. Their role is to ensure that all time spent and expenses incurred are correctly recorded, clearly justified, and submitted in line with Court requirements, helping legal professionals and deputies to recover fair and accurate fees for their work.

Question 2

How much does a Court of Protection costs draftsman charge?

Accepted Answer

Charging models can vary depending on the provider. At A&M Bacon, we charge a percentage of costs, meaning that you only pay once recovery is achieved, unless otherwise agreed. This approach ensures that our interests are fully aligned with yours and that you do not incur upfront costs. In all but the very rarest of cases we will limit our fee for drafting the bill to that as assessed by the SCCO.

Question 3

Is there a difference between a costs draftsman and a costs lawyer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While both costs draftsmen and costs lawyers specialise in the preparation and presentation of Bills of Costs, costs lawyers are regulated professionals who may also conduct advocacy and certain types of litigation. Experienced draftsmen are highly skilled in drafting and maximising cost recovery, and work closely with legal professionals to achieve the best outcomes. We have a mix of both costs lawyers and costs draftsmen within our team here.

Question 4

What is a deputyship costs draftsman?

Accepted Answer

A deputyship costs draftsman specialises in preparing Bills of Costs for work carried out under Deputyship, including both annual management of a protected person’s affairs and specific applications (such as for property decisions or statutory wills). Expertise in this area is essential for securing a full and fair recovery.

Question 5

How long does the process take?

Accepted Answer

The preparation of a draft Bill of Costs typically takes around three weeks from receipt of your file, although expedited services are available if required. Timelines can also depend on the complexity of the case and the level of supporting documentation provided. Unfortunately, there are substantial delays at the SCCO presently, which means matters are being severely delayed. We will always do all we can here to ensure any delays are minimised.

Question 6

Do I need a local costs draftsman?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. Most modern costs draftsman services, including those provided by A&M Bacon, are delivered remotely, meaning we work with clients across England and Wales. Files can be transferred securely via courier or digital upload, making location no barrier to high-quality support.

Monthly Archives: August 2025

What to look for in a Court of Protection Costs Draftsman