Legal Fees
Legal Fees and Fixed-Fee Services
Legal costs should be clear from the beginning. At Hitchens Legal, we aim to provide practical information about our fees, what work is included and what other expenses may arise during your matter. Where the work can be clearly defined, we offer fixed legal fees. This gives you greater certainty about the cost of a particular service or stage of your matter.
Some matters are more difficult to predict, particularly when they involve court proceedings, ongoing negotiations or circumstances outside our control. In these cases, we may charge on an hourly basis and provide a written estimate based on the information available. Before we begin work, we will explain the proposed fee arrangement and the scope of the legal services being provided.
Clear and Transparent Legal Costs
Every legal matter is different. Even where two people are dealing with a similar legal issue, the work required can vary depending on the complexity of the circumstances, the documents involved and whether the other parties agree.
Our fixed fees apply to matters that fall within an agreed scope. Where a service is advertised as “from” a particular amount or within a price range, the final fee will depend on the complexity and expected amount of work. Once we understand your circumstances, we can explain the likely costs and provide an appropriate quote or estimate.
Fixed Fee Family Law Services
We offer fixed-fee family law services for a range of clearly defined matters, including divorce applications, consent orders and binding financial agreements. These fees generally apply where the matter is uncontested or the parties have already substantially agreed on the outcome. Additional work, negotiations or court appearances may result in further fees, which will be discussed with you.
| Service | Our Fees (Not incl. GST) |
|---|---|
| Initial Family Law Phone Consultation (30 minutes) | Free |
| Divorce Application (sole or joint, where uncontested) | $1,500 |
| Parenting Consent Orders (where the parties have already substantially agreed) | $2,750 |
| Property Consent Orders (where the parties have already substantially agreed) | $3,050 |
| Combined Parenting & Property Consent Orders | $3,850 |
| Binding Financial Agreement (following Separation, where the parties have already substantially agreed) | From $3,700 |
| Pre-Marriage Financial Agreement (pre-nuptial, where the parties have already agreed) | From $3,700 |
| Binding Financial Agreement (complex matters involving negotiation, trusts, companies or significant assets) | $6,600–$9,900 |
| Parenting Arrangement Settlement Negotiations (without commencing court proceedings) | From $3,500 to $7,200 |
| Property Settlement Negotiations (without commencing court proceedings) | From $5,500 to $13,200 |
| Document Review | $350–$550, credited towards your legal fees if you retain us |
Additional Family Law Costs and Disbursements
The fees above exclude GST, court filing fees, barristers’ fees, valuation fees, process server fees and other third-party disbursements unless we specifically confirm otherwise. Disbursements are expenses paid to another person or organisation as part of handling your matter. Depending on your circumstances, they may include:
A final intervention order may be made:
- court application or filing fees
- property, business or asset valuation fees
- barrister or counsel fees
- process server fees
- expert report fees
- document searches and certificates
- travel or accommodation expenses where required
We will explain any known or anticipated disbursements when discussing the cost of your matter.
Court filing fees are set separately from our professional legal fees and can change. Current Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia filing fees are available at:
https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/fl/fees/fl-fees
Reduced filing fees or exemptions may be available to some applicants who hold eligible concession cards or are experiencing financial hardship. Eligibility is determined by the Court.
OUR PRICING
Fixed Fee Criminal Law and Intervention Order Services
We offer fixed fees and estimated fee ranges for a variety of criminal law and intervention order matters.
The cost of criminal legal representation can depend on the seriousness and number of charges, the volume of evidence, the number of court appearances and whether the matter resolves through negotiation or proceeds to a contested hearing or trial.
The fee quoted for your matter will be based on the information available at the time. Where new charges, evidence, court appearances or other complications arise, the scope and cost may need to be reviewed.
We will discuss any significant change with you before carrying out additional work wherever reasonably possible.
| Service | Our Fees (Not incl. GST) |
|---|---|
| Initial Consultation & Advice | From $500 |
| Police Interview Attendance | From $1,000 |
| Prosecution Negotiation (towards early resolution) | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Intervention Order (consent or first appearance) | From $1,000 |
| Guilty Plea (depending on the seriousness of the charges) | $1,000–$6,000 |
| Bail Application (Magistrates' Court) | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Bail Application (County or Supreme Court) | $5,000–$10,000 |
| Contested Hearing (Criminal Charges) | $3,000–$30,000 |
| Contested Hearing (Intervention Order) | $3,000–$10,000 |
| Jury Trial (County or Supreme Court) | From $30,000 |
What Is Included in a Fixed Legal Fee?
A fixed fee applies to an agreed service or stage of work. It does not necessarily cover every step that could arise throughout an entire family law, criminal law or intervention order matter.
Depending on the service, a fixed fee may cover tasks such as:
- meeting with you and obtaining instructions
- reviewing relevant documents
- providing advice about your options
- preparing an agreed application or legal document
- corresponding with another party or their lawyer
- undertaking a defined period of negotiation
- preparing for and attending a specified court appearance
The precise work included will be confirmed before we begin. For example, a fixed fee for an uncontested divorce application may not cover work arising from difficulties serving the other party, disputes about separation dates, additional affidavits or a contested hearing. Similarly, a fee for a first intervention order appearance would not ordinarily cover a later contested hearing unless this is specifically included.
Clearly defining the scope protects both you and the firm. It allows you to understand what you are paying for and helps prevent unexpected legal costs.
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When Hourly Legal Fees Apply
Fixed fees are not suitable for every legal matter. Where the amount of work cannot be reasonably predicted, we may charge according to the time spent working on your matter. This can be fairer than setting a high fixed price that attempts to account for every possible complication.
Hourly billing may apply when:
- court proceedings have commenced
- negotiations become lengthy or repeatedly change direction
- the other party does not provide information or financial disclosure
- new evidence, charges or disputed issues arise
- further court applications become necessary
- expert evidence or extensive document review is required
- the scope of your instructions changes
- the matter becomes more complex than initially anticipated
In these circumstances, you pay for the work genuinely required to progress your matter.
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Court Proceedings
 Once a matter enters the court system, the amount of work can be influenced by court directions, procedural requirements, the issues in dispute and the conduct of the other parties. A court may require additional documents, evidence, conferences, hearings or procedural steps. The matter may also change as new information becomes available.
For these reasons, court proceedings are often unsuitable for a single fixed fee covering the entire matter. We may instead provide estimates for separate stages, such as preparation, an interim hearing, a final hearing or a criminal trial.
Complex or Protracted Negotiations
Many family law and criminal matters can be resolved through negotiation without proceeding to a final hearing. However, it may be difficult to predict the cost when negotiations involve repeated correspondence, changing proposals, incomplete disclosure or disagreement about important facts.
Where negotiations become more extensive than expected, we will explain how this affects the work required and provide an updated estimate where appropriate.
OUR PRICING
Court Proceedings
 Once a matter enters the court system, the amount of work can be influenced by court directions, procedural requirements, the issues in dispute and the conduct of the other parties. A court may require additional documents, evidence, conferences, hearings or procedural steps. The matter may also change as new information becomes available.
For these reasons, court proceedings are often unsuitable for a single fixed fee covering the entire matter. We may instead provide estimates for separate stages, such as preparation, an interim hearing, a final hearing or a criminal trial.
Complex or Protracted Negotiations
Many family law and criminal matters can be resolved through negotiation without proceeding to a final hearing. However, it may be difficult to predict the cost when negotiations involve repeated correspondence, changing proposals, incomplete disclosure or disagreement about important facts.
Where negotiations become more extensive than expected, we will explain how this affects the work required and provide an updated estimate where appropriate.
Costs Disclosures, Estimates and Invoices
Before commencing work, we will explain how our legal fees will be calculated and provide the required costs information in writing. Depending on the nature and expected cost of your matter, this may include:
- the scope of the legal work
- the fixed fee or hourly billing method
- an estimate or reasonable range of total costs
- the factors that could affect the final cost
- known or anticipated disbursements
- your rights in relation to legal costs and invoices
Under Victorian costs disclosure requirements, a written costs disclosure is generally required when professional legal costs are likely to exceed $750, excluding GST and disbursements. A short-form disclosure may be used for some matters estimated between $750 and $3,000, while matters expected to exceed $3,000 require more detailed disclosure.
An estimate is based on what is known at the time. It is not always possible to guarantee the total cost of a matter where the work is affected by future negotiations, court decisions or another party’s conduct. Where the scope changes significantly, we will provide an updated costs disclosure or estimate and explain the reasons for the change. Victorian guidance requires costs disclosures to be updated when a matter changes significantly and an earlier estimate is no longer reliable.
Our approach includes:
- clear information about fees before work begins
- realistic estimates based on the known circumstances
- updated estimates when the scope materially changes
- itemised invoices
- regular communication about legal costs
- opportunities to discuss questions or concerns about your account
Our objective is to provide clear and predictable pricing while ensuring you only pay for the legal work your matter requires.
Frequently Asked Questions About Legal Fees
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you offer fixed legal fees?
Yes. Hitchens Legal offers fixed fees where the service and expected amount of work can be clearly defined. Some services are advertised with a specific fixed fee, while others have a starting price or estimated range. We will confirm the applicable fee after considering the scope and complexity of your matter.
How much does a family lawyer cost in Melbourne?
The cost of a family lawyer depends on the type of assistance required. A straightforward divorce application or agreed consent order may be handled for a fixed fee, while negotiations and contested court proceedings generally cost more. Our family law pricing table provides an indication of the fees for several common services.
How much does a criminal lawyer cost?
Criminal lawyer fees depend on factors including the seriousness of the allegations, the number of charges, the amount of evidence and whether the matter resolves through negotiation, a guilty plea, a contested hearing or a jury trial. After reviewing the circumstances, we can provide a quote or estimate for the relevant stage of your case.
Are court filing fees included?
No. Unless specifically stated, court filing fees are not included in our professional legal fees. Court fees are charged separately by the relevant court and may change over time.
Are barrister fees included?
Barrister fees are not included unless expressly stated in your quote or costs agreement. Where engaging a barrister is recommended, we will discuss their role and provide available information about the likely fee before seeking your approval.
What are legal disbursements?
Disbursements are expenses paid to third parties while handling your matter. Examples include court filing fees, barrister fees, valuation costs, expert reports, document searches and process server charges.
When will I be charged an hourly rate?
Hourly billing may apply when the amount of work cannot be accurately predicted. This is common in contested court proceedings, prolonged negotiations and matters where the evidence, issues or other parties’ positions may change. We will explain the hourly billing arrangement and provide an estimate based on the information available.
Will I receive an estimate before work begins?
Yes. We will provide information about the proposed legal fees and the scope of work before commencing, subject to any urgent circumstances where immediate work is required to protect your interests. For larger or more complex matters, the estimate may be provided as a range or divided into separate stages.
Can my legal fee estimate change?
Yes. An estimate may change if the scope or complexity of the matter changes. For example, additional charges, new evidence, unsuccessful negotiations or further court appearances may require more work than originally anticipated. Where there is a significant change, we will discuss it with you and provide an updated estimate as appropriate.
Is GST included in the fees shown?
No. The fees shown on this page exclude GST. Any applicable GST will be added to our professional fees. Court fees generally do not attract GST, although other third-party disbursements may.
Understand Your Legal Costs Before You Proceed
Legal costs are an important part of deciding how to approach your matter. We will explain the available options, the likely work involved and whether a fixed fee or hourly billing arrangement is most suitable.
Hitchens Legal offers practical advice and clear information about fees for family law, criminal law and intervention order matters.
Contact us to discuss your circumstances and receive an appropriate quote or cost estimate.