High Cost Cases (HCCP / VHCC)

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High cost cases require a different level of care, experience and technical understanding.

At Heathwells Legal Costs, we provide specialist support for high cost legal aid matters, including both HCCP and VHCC cases, depending on the terminology used.

These cases are often complex, time-intensive and subject to detailed scrutiny. Our role is to ensure that they are handled thoroughly, accurately and in a way that supports full and fair recovery of costs.

Every cost drafting team member at Heathwells Legal Costs has at least 10 years’ experience in legal aid costs drafting, including extensive experience in high cost case work.

We understand:

• The structure and requirements of high cost claims 
• The level of detail required in preparation 
• The importance of accuracy and consistency      
• The scrutiny these cases are subject to 

This experience allows us to approach each matter with confidence and care, ensuring that nothing is overlooked.

We provide a fully managed service for high cost cases, supporting your firm throughout the entire process.

This includes:

• Drafting high cost case plans, including forecasting the level of costs and disbursements to be incurred 
• Preparing detailed and compliant claims 
• Structuring and presenting complex billing information 
• Uploading and processing cases through CCMS 
• Managing queries and challenges following submission, in line with your instructions 

Our aim is to reduce the administrative time required from your team while ensuring that the matter is handled to a high standard.

High cost cases are not suited to a rushed or volume-driven approach.

We take a careful and methodical approach to each matter, ensuring that:

• All work carried out is properly reflected      
• Claims are prepared clearly and accurately      
• The final submission stands up to scrutiny      

This approach supports both efficiency and confidence in the outcome.

Our processes are designed to reduce administrative time for your team wherever possible. We aim to take ownership of the billing process, allowing your fee earners to remain focused on the case itself rather than managing the costs process.

Where helpful, we can:

• Provide structured guidance on information required 
• Use standardised processes to streamline instruction 
• Minimise the need for ongoing input from your team  

High cost cases often require close collaboration.

We work alongside your team to ensure that the approach taken aligns with your objectives, instructions and preferred level of involvement.

Our aim is to provide support that is both reliable and unobtrusive, fitting seamlessly into your existing processes.

Our high cost case support is particularly suited to firms who:

• Undertake complex family, civil or Court of Protection legal aid work 
• Require experienced support with HCCP or VHCC matters 
• Want to reduce administrative time 
• Are looking for a reliable and consistent drafting partner