Q What costs and other information do I have to give to a client I have known both personally and professionally for a number of years? I think it would be too much of a formality to treat this client in the same way as a new client by sending him my usual client care letter.

A Practice rule 15 and the Solicitors Costs Information and Client Care Code 1999, lay down what information solicitors must give to clients on these matters.

Paragraph 2 acknowledges that there may be circumstances where the solicitor need not provide all the specified information.

One of the examples mentioned is in the case of a regular client for whom repetitive work is done, where the client has already been given the information in question.

The mere fact that you have known the client professionally and socially for several years would not absolve you from having to give the full information detailed in the code.

Even where a relationship of trust has been built over time, the client will need the specified financial information so that he can give informed instructions knowing (as far as possible) how much that is likely to cost him.

Similarly, the client should have confirmation (if this is the case) that there will be no change in the long-standing arrangements regarding who will be dealing with and supervising the work and the person to whom any concerns should be addressed.

The information should be given again if the solicitor has any reason to think that the client may have forgotten any of it.

Question of ethics is compiled by the Law Society's professional ethics guidance team.

Send questions for publication to Austin O'Malley, the Law Society, Ipsley Court, Berrington Close, Redditch B98 0TD; DX 19114 Redditch