Costs Agreement
You’ll receive a Costs Agreement detailing fee estimates for different stages of your case. We keep you informed about fees throughout the process, so there are no surprises.
We understand that navigating a family law matter can be both emotionally and financially challenging. At Australian Family Lawyers, we’re committed to transparency, fairness, and providing clarity around legal costs, so you can move forward with confidence.
We accept a range of payment and funding options to ensure you can access the legal support you need, when you need it
Our billing process
From the outset of your engagement, you’ll receive a detailed Costs Agreement outlining the scope of work, our fee structure, and estimated costs based on your specific circumstances.
As your matter progresses, you’ll receive regular itemised invoices that clearly show the work completed, the time taken, and who completed each task. Additionally, clients receive regular updates as to variations on the original fee estimate if they occur.
There are no hidden fees, just clear communication and a focus on keeping your costs proportionate to your legal needs. Our team takes every reasonable step to minimise unnecessary legal expenses and avoid escalating conflict wherever possible.
Various payment options are available
We understand that you may not always have immediate access to funds, especially during times of transition. Our lawyers are committed to working with you to explore available options at the beginning of your engagement.
Commonly used payment options include:
- Personal loans through banks or finance providers
- Credit cards
- Loans from friends or family members
- In some specific cases, it may also be possible to seek Court Orders for interim distributions when funds are tied up or controlled by the other party
- For eligible clients, we accept flexible payment arrangements through the independent finance provider, JustFund, allowing you to defer your legal fees until after your matter is resolved. This option is available for specific family law services and is assessed on a case-by-case basis by JustFund. We are a JustFund Accredited firm facilitating a smooth application process.
Please let your lawyer know early if you’d like to explore any of these avenues. Your circumstances and goals will always guide our approach to fee planning.
Third-party legal funding
Note that any reference or referral to a third-party lender is offered as an optional resource, and that no commission or benefit is received by our firm for referring clients.
If you meet certain criteria, third-party legal funding may be available to cover your legal costs throughout the course of your matter.
These services offer legal finance that pays bills progressively and is typically repaid from your property settlement. Currently, Just Fund is the only third-party lending provider in the family law space, and so our teams can recommend this service to eligible clients.
Your lawyer can help you understand how to check eligibility and where this may be appropriate for your situation.
Last Updated: May 2025
Discuss payment with your local lawyer
It’s always best to raise any questions or concerns about costs early in your engagement with your lawyer. Our team will walk you through all available pathways to ensure you’re informed and supported from the very beginning.
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*Please note family law matters can be subject to time limits. It is best to seek advice as soon as possible.