We charge for our time in accordance with the many costs scales in place.  In most instances our fees are less than the scale.

When we meet with you, we will discuss how much we charge and what other expenses you are likely to face.  An estimate of the cost of your case will be given.  If we can't give that estimate, then we will explain why and tell you what information we need to make that assessment.

Some terms:

"Fees" or "Costs" - these are your lawyer's charges for their professional fees.

"Disbursements" - these are expenses incurred in running your case, such as Court filing fees, report fees, fees for using an expert and the like.  We will explain what type of disbursements you are likely to face in your case.  If you instruct us to obtain information that will incur a disbursement, then we will endeavour to obtain the cost of it so you know how much you will have to pay.

"Party and Party Costs" - these are the fees/costs and disbursements a losing party may have to pay to the winning party at the end of the case.  These can be agreed by consent or ordered by the Court.

"Solicitor and Client Costs" - these are the total fees/costs and disbursements you pay to your solicitor.

We understand that this aspect of your case can be confusing and of concern.  The last thing you want when your case has finished is an account from your lawyer which is hard to understand and weren't expecting.  We will discuss fees/costs and disbursements with you from beginning to end and ensure you know and are comfortable with what is happening.

As for payment, we can discuss a number of options with you.  In the main, we accept payment by cash, cheque and EFT.  We've not yet had an offer of payment in coffee beans, however, given the consumption of this beverage in our office, such an offer may prove too attractive to resist!

Sure Settlements and Earnshaw Lawyers, 15 The Crescent, MIDLAND 6056 Western Australia Telephone: +61 8 9274 0622 Fax: +61 8 9274 0544 E-mail: