No one likes to pay legal costs in relation to commercial litigation, we know that, but even so, we must advise you about costs and how much your legal services will cost prior to you engaging us. You must also sign a costs agreement where your costs will exceed $3,000. In most cases, we will ask you sign a costs agreement and disclosure statement to ensure you are fully informed about legal costs in relation to litigation.
Legal costs in Victoria are regulated by the Legal Profession Uniform Act. Pursuant to that Act, in most situations lawyers must disclose their method of charging fees pursuant to statute and seek execution of a costs agreement.
A Costs Disclosure Statement and Costs Agreement are provided to all of our clients upon engagement and we always ask for funds upfront into our Trust Account.
Methods of charging depend on the situation and can include hourly rates, fixed fees, blended rates and discounted volume rates. Remember to ask us about how you would like to be charged for your work. You have a legal right to negotiate costs with your solicitor, prior to engagement.
Below are some examples of how much you may expect to pay for the following services with our experienced lawyers (excluding GST and Court filing fees):
- Telephone consultation (Max 15 minutes) $110 plus GST – prepaid by credit card
- Standard consultation (Max 45 mins) $390 plus GST
- Review of documents to identify your legal problems including 15 minute consultation by phone (Max 1.5 hours) $880 plus GST
- General Advice – $450 per hour plus GST*
- Letter of demand for unpaid tax invoices (Website only deal includes a complimentary consultation and review of your documents) $880 plus GST
- Letter of advice on your legal issue (Max 1 page letter) $3,000 plus GST*
- Letter of advice regarding insolvency matter (Max 3 pages) $5,000 plus GST*
- Attend a Pre Hearing Conference at Melbourne Magistrates Court (Max 2 hours, not including preparation) $880 plus GST*
- Issue Court Proceedings debts under $25,000 – depends on matter but usually around $3,000
- Issue Court Proceedings debts over $25,000 – depends on matter but usually around $5,000
- Issue Bankruptcy Notice for payment of a debt – $720 plus GST
- Issue Creditors Petition for a bankruptcy order – $10,500*
- Oppose a creditors petition (bankruptcy proceeding) order being made – $hourly rates
- Oppose a winding up application (oppose wind up) – $hourly rates
- Issue a statutory demand and winding up proceedings – $10,500*
- All other matters – please call us for a consultation to obtain an estimate of costs.
*may be more depends on complexity of legal issues. Should you have any questions about legal costs please phone Kristine Hopkins on 03 9607 8279 or email [email protected].
