Question 1

Do I have to pay for the first consultation?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the first consultation is a fixed fee, so you know the cost before you book. If you go ahead with us, the 30-minute consultation fee is credited toward your matter.

Question 2

Will you tell me what my matter will cost before you start?

Accepted Answer

Yes. After the consultation we give you a written estimate for the whole matter, and no work proceeds until you approve it in writing.

Question 3

Are your fees fixed or charged by the hour?

Accepted Answer

Fixed wherever the work can be scoped, which covers most conveyancing, wills and straightforward applications. Where a matter cannot honestly be fixed-priced, the written estimate sets out the rates that apply and what each stage should cost.

Question 4

Do your fees include GST?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every figure we publish and every figure in your estimate includes GST.

Question 5

What are disbursements?

Accepted Answer

Amounts we pay to someone else for your matter — court filing fees, title and property certificates, a barrister, expert or medical reports, transcripts and searches. They are set by the court or provider, passed on at cost, and listed in your estimate.

Question 6

What happens if my matter ends up costing more than the estimate?

Accepted Answer

We tell you in writing, with a revised estimate, before the extra work is done. You should never find out that a matter became more expensive by reading the invoice.

Question 7

Do you act on a no win, no fee basis?

Accepted Answer

In eligible personal injury matters, yes — our professional fees are payable only if the claim succeeds. Eligibility criteria apply, any uplift fee is capped by law, and the law does not allow these arrangements in criminal or family law matters.

Question 8

What can I do if I disagree with a bill?

Accepted Answer

Ask us for an itemised bill and raise it with us first. If that does not settle it, you can take a costs dispute to the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner, and have the costs assessed by the Costs Court of the Supreme Court of Victoria.

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1. No Solicitor-Client Relationship

Important Disclaimer

2. General Information Only

3. Consultation Fees

4. Intellectual Property

5. External Links

6. Limitation of Liability

7. Governing Law

8. Changes to These Terms

9. Contact

Waters & Co Lawyers Pty Ltd