Around 80% of Australians will not go to a lawyer because it is expensive, or because of the uncertainty around costs and the risk that the costs will end up being far higher then they expect.
The problem with this is that sometimes a small dispute will get much worse if it’s not dealt with straight away, and that means much higher legal costs in the long run.
I don’t want to see that happen, so here’s what I will do to try to help.
If you come to Resolution Legal Melbourne for a mediation, we will agree on a fixed fee in advance. That fixed fee will include all preparation, and any necessary follow up phone calls after the mediation is completed.
Sometimes a mediation runs longer than we expect. However, if you book a full day mediation, the fixed fee will apply whether the mediation ends at 5.00pm or 2.00am the next morning. There will only be additional fees if the parties agree to continue the mediation for an additional day.
If you book a half day mediation, and you want to continue after lunch, there will be an additional cost per hour. However, I will always ensure that the total cost for that day does not exceed the standard fixed daily rate.
Mediation can be held at any suitable venue, including your office or the office of your accountant or your lawyer. If you require assistance with room hire, I can arrange that for you at a number of locations in the CBD or throughout the southern and eastern suburbs, including Box Hill, Mount Waverley, Kew, Malvern, Preston, Heidelberg, Brighton and Frankston. Any room hire that I arrange will be provided to you at cost. The room hire fees will be fixed and will be payable on the day of the mediation.
If you engage Resolution Legal Melbourne to provide advice or legal representation, I will discuss the costs with you before you commit to proceeding with the matter. If I am providing advice on a straightforward issue or drafting documents for you, I offer the option of a fixed fee agreed in advance so that you will know exactly what the cost will be. If you prefer to pay at an hourly rate, you will receive an estimate of the likely cost and you will be advised if the costs appear likely to exceed that estimate.
If I am representing you in connection with a dispute, fees will be charged at a reasonable hourly rate. You will receive a realistic estimate at the start of the matter, and I will provide you with monthly invoices so that you are kept up to date with the costs that are being incurred. In any dispute, my aim will be to resolve the matter within a reasonable time so that you do not incur any unnecessary fees.
Regardless of the type of fee arrangement, I will confirm the arrangement with you in writing (as required by law) as soon as possible after receiving your instructions. If there is any confusion about the likely costs, I will discuss that with you before proceeding.
If you want to find out more about my fees, or what a particular dispute might cost, please give me a call on 9998 9711.