Citizen Law Solicitors
Experienced UK solicitors providing expert legal services in immigration and family law matters. Clear advice, transparent fees, and compassionate support when you need it most.
Our Legal Services
Immigration & Visa Services
Comprehensive immigration law support including visa applications, spouse visas, work permits, citizenship, and appeals for individuals and families.
Learn more
Family Law
Expert family law solicitors handling divorce, child arrangements, financial settlements, and domestic abuse matters with compassion and clarity.
Learn moreWhy Choose The Citizen Law for Immigration & Family Law
Specialist Expertise
Focused exclusively on immigration and family law matters
Transparent Fees
Clear pricing with no hidden costs or surprises
Responsive Service
Prompt communication and regular updates throughout your case
How We Work
Initial Consultation
Meet with our team to discuss your legal needs and understand your situation
Assessment
We evaluate your case and provide clear, realistic advice on your options
Action
Transparent representation with regular communication and updates
Resolution
We work towards the best possible outcome for your circumstances
Get Expert Legal Advice Today
Contact our experienced immigration and family solicitors for clear, practical legal advice tailored to your situation.
About The Citizen Law - Your Trusted Immigration & Family Solicitors
Dedicated legal professionals serving clients across Ruislip, London, and the UK
Our Approach to Immigration & Family Law
The Citizen Law is a specialist immigration law and family law firm based in Ruislip, London. We focus exclusively on these two practice areas, allowing us to provide deep expertise and personalised service to our clients.
Whether you're facing a family law matter such as divorce or child custody, or need assistance with UK immigration and visa applications, our experienced team is here to help. We believe in clear communication, transparent fees, and compassionate support throughout your legal journey.
As an SRA-regulated firm (Number: 8007762), we maintain the highest professional standards while making legal services accessible and understandable.
Meet Our Legal Team
Ruchir Mayur Shah
Director/Solicitor
Practice areas: Immigration, Family Law
Ruchir has over 18 years of experience advising private clients, entrepreneurs and businesses on all aspects of immigration law. With expertise in UK Immigration systems, he provides strategic, high-level advice to individuals and companies seeking to navigate complex immigration matters. He is a founder of The Citizen Law and plays a leading role in the firm's management and development.
Email: rshah@thecitizenlaw.co.uk
Ruchi Mishra
Senior Solicitor
Practice areas: Immigration, Family Law
Ruchi is an experienced consultant specializing in immigration matters and family law. With her LLB qualification and years of practice, she provides expert advice on visa applications, immigration appeals, divorce, and financial settlements. Ruchi is particularly skilled at handling immigration cases and sensitive family law cases with empathy and professionalism while ensuring clients understand their legal options at every stage.
Email: rmishra@thecitizenlaw.co.uk
Amandeep Kaur Dhillon
Consultant Solicitor
Practice areas: Family Law
Amandeep is a dedicated family law consultant with extensive experience in divorce, child custody, and financial settlements. Her LLB qualification and client-centered approach make her a trusted advisor for individuals facing challenging family law situations. Amandeep is committed to providing clear, practical guidance while supporting clients through emotionally difficult legal processes.
Email: adhillon@thecitizenlaw.co.uk
Harshdeep Kaur
Paralegal
Practice areas: Family Law, Immigration
Harshdeep is a skilled paralegal supporting our immigration and family law practice. With her LLB qualification, she assists with case preparation, document management, and client communications. Harshdeep plays a vital role in ensuring efficient case progression and providing excellent client service throughout the legal process.
Email: hkaur@thecitizenlaw.co.uk
Our Values
Expertise
We focus exclusively on immigration and family law, developing deep knowledge to serve you better.
Integrity
SRA regulated and committed to the highest ethical and professional standards.
Clarity
We explain complex legal matters in plain English so you can make informed decisions.
Ready to Discuss Your Case?
Our experienced team is here to help with your legal matter.
Get in TouchImmigration & Family Law Legal Services
Expert legal support across all aspects of family law and UK immigration
The Citizen Law provides specialist legal services in two key practice areas: immigration law and family law. Based in Ruislip, London, we serve clients throughout the UK who need expert guidance through divorce, child custody, visa applications, citizenship matters, and more.
Our team of qualified solicitors and consultants is dedicated to providing clear advice, transparent fees, and compassionate support throughout your legal journey.
UK Immigration & Visa Application Services
What We Do
Our immigration solicitors provide comprehensive support for all UK visa and immigration matters. Whether you're applying for a visa to join family in the UK, seeking work authorization, pursuing British citizenship, or appealing a refusal, we guide you through the complex UK immigration system. Our services include spouse/partner visa applications, family reunion and dependent visas, skilled worker and work permit visas, student visa applications, indefinite leave to remain (ILR), British citizenship and naturalization, visa refusal appeals and administrative reviews, and asylum and human rights applications.
What to Expect
Timeline: Visa applications typically 3-6 months depending on type and complexity. Settlement applications (ILR) usually 6 months. Citizenship applications 6-12 months. Appeals can take 6-12 months or longer. We prepare thorough applications with all required evidence to maximize success rates and minimize delays.
Documents Typically Needed
- Valid passport
- Proof of relationship (for family visas)
- Financial evidence (bank statements, payslips, tax returns)
- English language certification (if required)
- Accommodation evidence
- Sponsorship documents (for work visas)
- Biometric information
- Application-specific supporting documents
Frequently Asked Questions
Many visa categories allow you to bring eligible family members, such as a spouse, partner, or children. They may need to apply as dependants and meet specific financial and documentation requirements.
Yes, if they are not on: a visitor visa, short-term student visa, seasonal worker visa, or any other temporary/non-extendable visa. Otherwise, they must apply from outside the UK.
Typical documents include: Passport, Birth/marriage certificates proving relationship, Financial evidence (bank statements if needed), Sponsor’s documents (main applicant’s BRP/visa copy, CoS/Confirmation of Student Status), and Tuberculosis test (if required by home country).
You may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after living in the UK for a certain number of years on an eligible visa. Requirements often include continuous residence, meeting income thresholds (if applicable), and passing the Life in the UK Test.
You can apply for a UK work visa online by submitting your application, supporting documents, and biometric details. Most work visas, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, require a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK employer and proof that you meet salary and English language requirements.
Family Law Services - Divorce, Child Custody & Financial Settlements
What We Do
Our family law solicitors handle all aspects of family legal matters with sensitivity and professionalism. We understand that family law cases often involve emotional and challenging circumstances, which is why we combine legal expertise with compassionate support. Our services include divorce and separation, child arrangement orders, financial settlements and spousal maintenance, domestic abuse protection orders, cohabitation agreements, and pre-nuptial/post-nuptial agreements.
What to Expect
Timeline: Uncontested divorce typically 4-6 months; contested matters 12-18 months. Child custody cases vary based on complexity. We prioritize negotiation and mediation to achieve fair outcomes while minimizing conflict and costs. When court proceedings are necessary, we provide strong representation to protect your rights and interests.
Documents Typically Needed
- Marriage certificate (for divorce)
- Financial disclosure documents
- Evidence of income and assets
- Details of children (if applicable)
- Any existing court orders
- Evidence supporting your case
Frequently Asked Questions
Financial support may include child maintenance, spousal maintenance, or a financial settlement that covers assets, savings, property, and pensions. The outcome depends on your individual circumstances, length of the relationship, and each person’s financial needs
Child custody—referred to as “child arrangements”—is based on the child’s best interests. Courts look at factors such as the child’s needs, parental capability, and the stability of each home. Most parents are encouraged to reach an agreement through mediation before going to court.
Courts make custody (child arrangements) decisions based on the child’s best interests, considering: Each parent’s ability to care for the child, the child’s physical and emotional needs, stability and safety, and the child’s wishes (depending on age and maturity). Courts generally encourage shared involvement unless there are safety concerns.
Property and assets are divided based on fairness, not automatically 50/50. Courts consider factors like: Each spouse’s financial needs, Income and earning capacity, Length of the marriage, Childcare responsibilities. The aim is to achieve a fair outcome, especially ensuring children are provided for.
In the UK, the divorce process typically involves submitting an online application, confirming that the marriage has broken down irretrievably, and receiving a conditional order followed by a final order. The timeline varies depending on whether both parties agree and how quickly documents are submitted.
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique, and outcomes vary. Please contact us for advice specific to your situation.
Transparent Pricing
Clear fees with no hidden costs
Immigration – Our Services & Fees
The immigration services detailed below are provided by Mr Ruchir Mayur Shah, whose hourly rate for this type of work is £400 + VAT.
Further details of all members of our immigration team, including their qualifications and experience can be accessed on our About Us page.
Our Fees
The time required to prepare and submit an application is dependent upon the personal circumstances and background of the applicant as well as the complexity of the legal issues involved, so it is not possible for us to undertake most of our immigration work on a fixed-fee basis. Our fees are therefore calculated on the hourly rate of the solicitor handling the case and at the outset of the work only an approximation of our final fee is possible. However, we will keep you updated about the costs of the case and your authority to proceed will be sought should we foresee a significant increase above the initial estimate.
Value Added Tax (VAT)
All prices quoted exclude VAT, but when applied it is charged at the current rate of 20% and added to our invoice. However, VAT is not applicable in some immigration cases and may depend on where you live and what immigration permission(s) you have. We can provide guidance on this though you might wish to seek your own independent tax advice in this regard.
What is Included in our Services
As the circumstances and nature of each application can differ considerably the services provided to each client will also vary, but will include the following:
- Taking instructions via telephone calls, emails and meetings
- Advising you about the relevant law and procedures
- Preparing a supporting document checklist for you
- Reviewing all supporting documentation provided by you
- Undertaking all necessary preparatory work for the appropriate Application(s)
- Drafting and submitting the completed Application
- Liaising with you and third parties (e.g. Counsel) where necessary
- Advising you on the timelines and outcome of your Application
What is Not Covered by our Professional Fees
These are costs which we may incur on your behalf and are in addition to our professional fees. They might include but are not limited to the following:
- All Disbursements (see below)
- Payments to HM Revenue and Customs, HM Passport Office or HM Land Registry
- External Translation Services
- Preparing Schedules of Absences from the UK
- Costs of Experts or Agents instructed on your behalf
- Travel expenses
Disbursements
These are expenses paid to third parties and are not included in our professional fees. They are continually reviewed by the government and other public bodies and subject to frequent change, so to ensure you have access to the latest information we urge you to use the links below. They fall into the following categories:
Home Office Fees (for administration of your application):
www.gov.uk/government/publications/visa-regulations-revised-table
Immigration Health Surcharges:
www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application/how-much-pay
Court & Tribunal Fees:
www.gov.uk/guidance/get-help-to-pay-or-reduce-your-visa-or-immigration-appeal-fee
Qualification level and English language certificate:
www.ecctis.com
Counsel (Barrister's) Fees: Typically between £2,000 to £15,000 plus VAT
Please check the relevant websites above for the most up-to-date fees.
Please note: Home Office Fees, Immigration Health Surcharges & Court Fees are not subject to VAT.
The following expenses might also be necessary in some cases:
- Bank Transfer Charges: £5 – £12 + VAT
- Courier Fees: To be advised
- Non-Routine Postage Charges: To be advised
Services and Estimated Costs
In the table below the following abbreviations are used:
- "LTR": Limited Leave to Remain
- "IHS": Immigration Health Surcharge
- "ILR": Indefinite Leave to Remain
- "FTT": First Tier Tribunal – this is the first instance court for Immigration appeals; separate fees would apply for Upper Tribunal hearings
| Service | Estimated Hours | Our Fees (excl. VAT) | Other Disbursements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Consultation | 1-2 hours | £300 – £600 | Usually none |
| Citizenship (Naturalisation or Registration) | 3½-14½ hours | £1,200 – £5,000 | Home Office Fees |
| EEA Applications | 2½-11½ hours | £900 – £4,000 | Home Office Fees |
| Partner or Parent Applications (LTR) | 7-14½ hours | £2,400 – £5,000 | Home Office Fees, IHS, Qualification/English certificates |
| ILR Applications | 5-14½ hours | £1,800 – £5,000 | Home Office Fees, Qualification/English certificates |
| Sponsorship Licence Application | 7-28½ hours | £2,400 – £10,000 | Home Office Fees |
| Work Visas & Skilled Worker Visas | 5-43 hours | £2,000 – £15,000 | Home Office Fees, IHS, Qualification/English certificates |
| Study in UK or Sponsor Student | 3-7 hours | £1,000 – £2,500 | Home Office Fees, IHS, Qualification/English certificates |
| Immigration Appeal – FTT | 8½-28½ hours | £3,000 – £10,000 | Court/Tribunal Fees, Counsel Fees (£2,000-£15,000 + VAT) |
| Deportation (initial) | 4.5-17 hours | £1,600 – £6,000 | - |
| FTT Deportation Appeal | 11½-28½ hours | £4,000 – £10,000 | Expert Reports (£600-£3,000 + VAT) |
| Judicial Reviews | 8½-28½ hours | £3,000 – £10,000 | Interpreting (£20-£45/hr + £12/hr travel) |
| Asylum Applications and Appeals | 11.5-28½ hours | £4,000 – £10,000 | Interpreting (£20-£45/hr + £12/hr travel) |
These estimated fees reflect the highly variable nature of immigration applications and are based on our experience of a wide range of cases. Once we have a better understanding of your individual circumstances we can provide more accurate estimates. We also work on a fixed-fee basis.
Factors Affecting Costs
Factors Which Could Increase Overall Cost
- Information regarding your immigration history, personal circumstances or financial status not disclosed at the time of your original instructions
- Delays in obtaining essential information/documentation we request
- A need to translate documents and/or apply for updated versions
- Unforeseen complexities in an Application
- Working under additional pressures to meet short deadlines as a result of delays in your instructions and/or failure to provide information/documentation in a timely manner
Factors Which Could Decrease Overall Cost
- As a former client we are already familiar with your immigration history and our prior work remains relevant to any new instructions
- In the event of multiple instructions from the same person, family or organization
- In the event that you have undertaken a significant amount of preparatory work yourself and you provide all or most of the necessary information/documentation at the time of your instructions
Timescales
The government agency responsible for immigration may take an unpredictable amount of time to process your application. Please check their website (www.gov.uk/guidance/visa-processing-times-applications-outside-the-uk) for the most up-to-date processing times.
We typically process applications within 2-6 weeks after receiving your instructions in non-urgent matters. However, we will notify you immediately if we anticipate any delays.
Family Law Pricing
Our family law services are tailored as every case is unique. Please contact us for a quote based on your specific circumstances.
Understanding Our Fees
Included
- Initial consultation
- Legal advice and document preparation
- Correspondence and negotiation
- File management and administration
- Regular updates on progress
- Up to 2 rounds of revisions on documents
Not Included (Additional Costs)
- Court fees and filing costs
- Third-party disbursements (searches, expert reports)
- Barrister fees (if court representation needed)
- Costs for additional solicitor meetings beyond scope
- VAT (20% on all fees)
Payment Options & Policies
We accept payment by bank transfer or installments by arrangement.
For fixed-fee services, we typically request 50% upfront and remainder on completion.
Consultations can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance. For paid services, refunds are provided on a pro-rata basis for work not yet completed.
Prices subject to change. VAT applies to all fees. Final quote provided after consultation.
Request a Bespoke Quote
Every case is unique. Contact us for a detailed quote tailored to your specific matter.
Get Your QuoteContact our solicitors
Get in touch for expert immigration and family law advice
Office Hours
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Closed: Saturdays and Sundays
We respond to inquiries within 2 business hours during office hours. For matters received outside these times, we'll get back to you on the next business day.
Send Us a Message
Fill out the form below and we'll get back to you promptly.
We respect your privacy. Your information will only be used to respond to your inquiry and will not be shared with third parties. See our Privacy Policy for details.
Find Us
Free parking available nearby | Located in central Ruislip with excellent transport links | Nearest station: Ruislip (Metropolitan and Piccadilly lines)
Privacy Policy
Last updated: October 28, 2025
Introduction
The Citizen Law is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data with care and transparency. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Data We Collect
We may collect the following types of personal data:
- Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, postal address
- Case Information: Details you provide about your legal matter
- Technical Data: IP address, browser type, device information, cookies
- Usage Data: How you interact with our website and services
How We Use Your Data
We use your personal data for the following purposes:
- Responding to your inquiries and providing legal services
- Managing our relationship with you, including billing and administration
- Improving our website and services through analytics
- Complying with legal and regulatory obligations
- Sending you relevant communications (with your consent)
Legal Basis for Processing
We process your personal data under the following legal bases:
- Consent: You have given clear consent for us to process your data (e.g., contact form submissions)
- Contract: Processing is necessary for a contract we have with you
- Legal Obligation: We must process your data to comply with the law
- Legitimate Interests: Processing is necessary for our legitimate business interests
Data Retention
We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary:
- Inquiry Data: Held for 6 months unless you become a client
- Client Data: Retained for at least 6 years after case completion as required by SRA rules
- Marketing Data: Until you withdraw consent or we no longer need it
Your Rights
Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights:
- Right to Access: Request a copy of your personal data
- Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
- Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data in certain circumstances
- Right to Restriction: Limit how we use your data
- Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
- Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
- Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time where we rely on it
Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. This includes encryption, secure servers, access controls, and regular security assessments.
Third-Party Sharing
We do not sell your personal data. We may share your data with:
- Service providers (e.g., IT support, payment processors) under strict confidentiality agreements
- Barristers or expert witnesses when necessary for your case
- Courts, regulators, or law enforcement when legally required
Cookies
Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. See our Cookie Policy for detailed information about the cookies we use and how to manage them.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.
Terms of Service
Last updated: October 28, 2025
Website Use
By accessing and using this website, you accept and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree, please do not use this website.
No Attorney-Client Relationship
Visiting this website, reading content, or contacting us through this website does not create an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship is only formed when we formally agree to represent you in writing through a retainer agreement.
Information Disclaimer
The information on this website is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Every legal matter is unique, and you should not rely on website content as a substitute for professional legal advice specific to your circumstances.
No Guaranteed Outcomes
Past results and client testimonials do not guarantee or predict future outcomes. Legal matters involve many factors, and results vary based on individual circumstances.
Jurisdiction
The Citizen Law is authorized to practice law in England and Wales. We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Information on this website applies to UK law and may not be applicable in other jurisdictions.
Intellectual Property
All content on this website, including text, graphics, logos, and images, is the property of The Citizen Law and protected by UK copyright law. You may not reproduce, distribute, or use any content without our written permission.
External Links
This website may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or availability of external sites.
Limitations of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, The Citizen Law shall not be liable for any indirect, consequential, or incidental damages arising from your use of this website or reliance on its content.
Changes to Terms
We reserve the right to modify these Terms of Service at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated date. Continued use of the website after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.
Governing Law
These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
Contact
If you have questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us at info@thecitizenlaw.co.uk.