When looking for a solicitor to handle your legal matters, it is seminal to know the things that a solicitor must tell you in regards to the cost involved:
Every Solicitor is required by law to inform their clients about their rights and how they are going to charge for their service. This is called ‘disclosure’. A solicitor must inform you in writing about the costs of the work (if estimated to be more than $750) and the expenses that you have to pay.
When should your solicitor disclose?
In an ideal situation, the disclosure must be made before the solicitor commences to act for you. However, if it is not practical for disclosure to be made before work begins, it should be done as soon as the solicitor has the opportunity to do so.
How should disclosure be made?
Disclosure may be set out in a costs agreement or a letter detailing the estimate costs of the costs or range of costs. It is important to note that estimates are not firm quotes and may be subject to change. Your solicitor should notify you as soon as practicable for any significant increase that may be likely to change the initial cost agreement.
What if I haven’t received disclosure?
If you haven’t received the disclosure from your solicitor, you still need to pay the costs issued by your solicitor. You can have the bill assessed by Cost assessor if you deem it to be unreasonable.
PS – This is for general advice
By Ajay Singh
Principal Solicitor LL.M
Redline Legal
Parramatta Lawyers
