Costs

Snedden Hall & Gallop prides itself on being open with clients about costs, and, at the beginning of your matter, your solicitor will discuss the costs that are likely to accrue. The types of costs will vary from matter to matter and, depending on what type of matter you have, you will be given either a lump sum quote or your solicitor will work on an hourly rate. If your solicitor works on an hourly rate, he or she will attempt to give you an accurate range or estimate of the likely fees

Although Snedden Hall & Gallop’s normal practice is to ask for money to be paid upfront for future costs and disbursements, it does not mean that you will be billed before work has begun. Rather, the money is held in a trust account and it is a requirement that an invoice is issued prior to the trust money being applied to an account. This gives you the opportunity to query the costs if you need to.

Client Agreements

The ACT has strict laws regulating legal professionals’ cost agreements.  Snedden Hall & Gallop makes sure that you are fully aware of your rights and obligations and, where appropriate, will enter into a Cost Agreement with you. The Costs Agreement sets out details of all fees, and you will have the opportunity to consider the document before signing it. If you have any doubts about the document before you sign it, your solicitor will encourage you to seek independent legal advice before committing yourself to the agreement.

Disbursements

In addition to professional fees, you may also be charged for disbursements. Disbursements include such costs as search fees, administration charges, barristers’ fees and experts’ costs. Generally, moneys are required to be deposited into the trust account to cover anticipated disbursements. These can be paid out of the trust account without first issuing an invoice to you, as long as the disbursements are necessary for the matter or are otherwise agreed to by you.

Accounts

Accounts are rendered at regular intervals during the course of your matter and are normally issued monthly, but you are encouraged to discuss how often you wish to be invoiced with your solicitor. The regular issuing of invoices enables you to remain aware of what the costs situation is.  Snedden Hall & Gallop requires accounts to be paid within 14 days and interest is payable on late payments.

GST

Wherever possible quotes and estimates for fees include GST. This allows you to have a full understanding of the costs you will need to pay. Your accounts and Costs Agreement will specify whether a fee includes GST or not. If you are unsure whether GST is payable, you should clarify it with the solicitor looking after your matter or contact the Accounts Department.