Liston & Clifton Solicitors Armidale, Tenterfield and Glen Innes NSW - Liston & Clifton Lawyers / Solicitors New England NSW

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We believe it is important our clients know at all times how much our services will cost them. The law requires that we discuss with you our fees and charges, at your initial consultation. We will prepare a Cost Agreement based on your initial instructions to us. The Cost Agreement sets out the scale of fees and charges appropriate to your matter. At anytime during the conduct of your matter we are able to provide you with an accurate indication of the costs to date. We encourage clients to discuss the up-to-date estimate of fees and charges as each matter progresses.

Liston and Clifton generally provide services to clients on either a fixed fee basis (such as for most straightforward residential conveyancing services) or at an agreed hourly rate, or sometimes a combination of the two. As many matters are of a complex nature it is often not possible to give an accurate indication of the final cost, however we will endeavour to provide our best estimate. It is not possible, in many instances, to predict the course of a matter and some matters will take a long time to complete or resolve due to their nature. Matters are often determined by the response of the other party, which is unpredictable. At all times, Liston and Clifton will provide you with options and estimates of the applicable fees and charges as each matter progresses.

Out of Pocket Expenses

Often we will need to incur expenses on your behalf during the conduct of you matter, for which you will be required to reimburse us. These expenses are referred to as disbursements. For example, in a property conveyance we will need to undertake searches with various government authorities to ensure good title of the property is passed at the completion of the matter. Most of the out-of-pocket expenses are set charges levied by the authority providing the information.

Liston and Clifton do not generally charge for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in house, such as telephone calls, faxes and photocopying.

Payment of Our Professional Fees and Disbursements

Usually, we will render an account for our professional fees and any out-of-pocket expenses incurred, at the conclusion of the matter, with payment due within thirty days. Clients are encouraged to make payments on a regular basis during the conduct of their matter, such payments being held in trust on their behalf, until a bill of costs is rendered. In some matters, such as Local Court appearances or where a large disbursement is to be incurred, we may require the upfront payment of all or part of the costs anticipated to be incurred. Again, these funds are held in trust on your behalf until a bill of costs and disbursements is rendered.