How will I be charged?
Before engaging a family lawyer, you need to know what you will be charged for the services provided to you. Pricing models are offered by hourly rate and/or fixed fees which is reflective of the fact that services are streamlined and affordable. At your initial consultation, you will be informed whether you will be charged at an hourly rate or by a fixed fee. Under the Legal Profession Uniform Law, you will either be given an Estimate of Costs by way of a costs disclosure form if your legal work is likely to exceed $750.00 but is not more than $3,000.00 or a Costs Agreement if fees are expected to exceed $3,000.00. This assists with your understanding of the legal process, the scope of work to be done and the likely cost at each stage. Fixed fees are charged for family law services such as divorces and consent orders. All other services are charged at a competitive hourly rate.
Simple Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney and Enduring Powers of Guardianship also have set prices.
Why engage a family lawyer?
There are many myths about how property should be divided and the arrangements for the care of children after separation. There are specific rules that are prescribed in the Family Law Act and the Family Court Act. Consulting with a family lawyer will enable you to be guided through the rules and focus on the factors that are applicable to you.
Why have a Will, Enduring Power of Attorney and Enduring Power of Guardianship prepared by a lawyer?
Having a Will, Enduring Power of Attorney and Enduring Power of Guardianship that conforms to legal requirements is vital to ensure that important decisions can be made for you when you are not able to make those decisions, and that upon your death your property is distributed in accordance with your wishes. Ensuring that your affairs are in order saves those closest to you a lot of unnecessary stress and money.
CASE STUDIES
Peter & Linda
Peter and Linda have been living in a de facto relationship and are separating due to unresolved differences. They have 2 young children aged 8 and 5 years. Peter entered their relationship with a property registered in his name. The home in which they both live is also registered in his name. He has told Linda that she is not entitled to anything and that she had best move out of the home quickly. Linda wants to know her legal entitlements and what she can do to protect her interests in the home and the property. She also wishes to sort out the best arrangements for their children. Seeking legal advice early will provide Linda with the best opportunity for a positive result in relation to her interest in the home, other property and care arrangements for the children.
Richard & Pauline
Richard and Pauline began to live together in 2001, were married in 2005 and separated in 2020. They have 2 children aged 14 and 11 years who live with them on a week about basis. Richard is an electrician earning $100,000.00 per annum and Pauline works as a child care worker with an income of $30,000.00 gross per annum. They have an asset pool with a total net value of $650,000.00 which includes the home where Pauline lives with the children, 2 cars, bank accounts and superannuation entitlements. Engaging a family lawyer will enable advice to be given as to the percentage division each party would be likely to receive, and the best way to achieve an agreement and document it. Reaching an agreement will have positive benefits for Richard and Pauline, as well as their children who spend equal time with them.
Paul & Kate
Paul and Kate are married and have decided that they wish to update their wills as their circumstances have changed. Both Kate and Paul have children from prior relationships in addition to a child of their marriage. Paul is estranged from one of his children and Kate has not seen 2 of her children for a very long time. Paul and Kate wish to ensure that they make adequate provision for each other, their children and also minimise each of their estates being subject to an inheritance claim. It is important that their wills be prepared by a solicitor with provisions of each will which is tailored to their individual circumstances. It may also be important for Paul and Kate to seek independent professional taxation advice prior to each of their wills being finalised.
TESTIMONIALS
“At the time I reached out to Rosemary for urgent legal assistance she was in the midst of branching out on her own venture. A very busy time coordinating many different aspects of establishing her own practice. Nonetheless, Rosemary took the time to talk to me, assess my case and made time to advise me and continues to represent me. The professionalism received from Rosemary gave me reassurance that I had made the right decision. Rosemary made me feel comfortable, advice that was given (at all times) has been relevant and in my best interests. I highly recommend talking to Rosemary and engaging her services.” – Matt
“I found Rosemary Giles through word of mouth and found her very thorough, honest and reliable. She helped me with my divorce paperwork and settlement. I would recommend her to anyone who needs help with family law.” – Lorraine
“My wife, Robyn, and I requested Rosemary to assist us in preparing our Wills which we had put off for many years due to the complications we assumed would prevail given that we both had previous marriages and the children that we had from those .
Our initial discussions with Rosemary were convened and we provided our preferences to her which she noted. This first meeting was not rushed and the basis of what we desired was quickly attained. Within 24 hours we were emailed the draft copies of our Wills and after perusing them we confirmed they were exactly how we wished them to be. It was only a matter of a few days and we were requested to attend Rosemary’s office to sign the wills and it was done. We can’t thank Rosemary enough for the prompt and professional advice she provided us and we would recommend her to anyone who requires assistance in family law matters.” – Robyn and Richard
“I have had the privilege of knowing Rosemary Giles since 2008. I first contacted Rosemary when I was opening a small business in Bunbury and required legal assistance. Several years later again, I required legal advice, as I was going through family law issues regarding my children. I always felt supported and valued by Rosemary during this process.
Rosemary Giles is highly competent and trustworthy – A lawyer with a caring and calm approach. She is thoroughly committed to ensuring a prompt and positive outcome. I highly recommend her and thank her for giving me faith back in people.” – Cherise