Family law matters can be expensive, and mounting legal costs are often among our clients’ biggest concerns throughout their matter.

Whilst lawyers are obliged to keep clients informed of the estimated costs for each stage of their matter, and to run matters in a way that does not incur unnecessary costs, there are some things that clients can do to help minimise their costs while assisting their lawyer to provide the best strategic advice and direction:

1. Be familiar with the Schedule of Fees within the Cost Agreement, and be mindful of how outputs such as emails, phone calls, letters and documents are charged.

2. When clients are disorganised with disclosure, legal teams are required to spend more time than is otherwise necessary to chase missing documents, clarify information and collate messy files. To avoid lost time and money, we recommend that clients:

a. Pay attention to the list of documents that we request and methodically work through it, compiling all documents in one place. If there are items in our list that clients are unable to access, we ask that they note this and provide us with an explanation (e.g. tax return is not yet complete; account was closed on XX date);

b. Label each document clearly, with name and date;

c. Convert image files to PDF;

d. Provide one document per item. Do not embed screenshots or images of different items into one document (e.g. statements from different banks in one PDF);

e. As far as possible, provide documents to us in one email. If the documents are too large, consider saving them to a USB or sharing via a link to an online folder such as Dropbox or Google Drive.

3. We are very aware that family law matters are highly emotional and challenging, and our team is adept at compassionately working with clients to get to the root of the legal issues that need to be addressed. However, if clients want to minimise their costs, we suggest that they avoid sharing large blocks of emotive text with their lawyer by email. Wherever possible, dot-point the key concerns and stick to the facts. If the lawyer needs further context or information, they can contact the client for a phone appointment to take further instructions.

4. If the lawyer has set out a strategy for a matter that the client is largely content with, it is time for the client to trust the lawyer and give them space to do their job. By all means, questions, concerns or updated information should be raised; however, be mindful that the time a lawyer spends responding to client questions is time that the lawyer is not spending on progressing the matter toward a resolution.

5. When questions do need to be asked, be clear and concise. A helpful check is to dot-point questions and ensure that each dot point is limited to one question. Likewise, if the lawyer asks for further information or documents, the client should endeavour to provide a response as quickly, succinctly and clearly as possible, ensuring that they answer the questions asked and provide the documentation requested.

6. We encourage clients to take care of their own emotional needs during this difficult time, including engaging a therapist, leaning on friends and family, and making space for quiet reflection. In doing so, they are more likely to preserve their peace, stay attuned to the end goal, and minimise their costs. Family law matters are not about winning, getting even, or even about getting justice or validation.

Property settlements are about coming to a ‘just and equitable’ adjustment according to legislated principles. Parenting matters are always about the best interests of the children. Those clients who are reactive to every perceived injustice, or who are seeking vindication or validation, tend to incur additional time and legal costs. For this reason, we often seek to reassure our clients, reminding them to remain calm and to focus on the issues that really matter so that together we can strategically and efficiently move toward a final resolution.

If you, or someone you know, is going through a relationship separation and need honest, expert and strategic advice on how to pursue a resolution to parenting or property issues, contact us for a free initial consultation, no strings attached.

If you would like a personalised assessment of your circumstances, contact us on 07 5609 4933 for a free initial consultation or book online https://www.ctlawyers.com.au/booking/.