Family lawyer fees in Adelaide

How fees usually work

Family lawyers usually charge by the hour, though some offer fixed fees for set pieces of work, such as an initial consultation or documenting an agreement. Matters that go to court generally cost much more than matters resolved by agreement.

Before going to court

In most parenting disputes you must try family dispute resolution and obtain a certificate before applying to court, with exceptions such as family violence or urgency. Family Relationship Centres provide information and family dispute resolution services.

Court fees and who pays

Family law matters in Adelaide are heard by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, which charges filing fees. The general rule in family law is that each party pays their own legal costs.

Your right to know the costs up front

South Australian lawyers must disclose their costs at the start of the engagement. That includes a range of estimated total costs and what could change it, how often you'll be billed, your right to negotiate the costs agreement, your right to an itemised bill, and how to dispute costs, including complaining to the Legal Profession Conduct Commissioner about overcharging.

Questions to ask first

• Is this a fixed fee or hourly? If hourly, what is the rate and roughly how many hours do you expect?
• What is included, and what would cost extra?
• Which costs are disbursements or official fees, and roughly how much are they?
• How often will I be billed, and can I get an update on costs as we go?

Free and low-cost help in South Australia

• The Legal Services Commission of South Australia gives free legal information and advice, and legal aid if you're eligible.
• The Law Handbook, published by the Legal Services Commission, explains the law in plain English.

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