Most attorneys charge on a time basis. An attorney’s time is usually charged in 6 minute or 15 minute increments. This means that, in the case of 6 minute increments, if a lawyer takes 3 minutes attending to your matter , then you will still be billed for 6 minutes (and for 15 minutes in the case of 15 minute billing method ). It is true that some lawyers bill on a per minute increments , so if your solicitor spends 8 minutes on your legal action, you will be charged 8 minutes.
When first meeting with a lawyer, it will be to your advantage that you have all the papers related to your mater in a packet ready to give to your lawyer . Further , it is advised that you draw up a summary of facts that are relevant to your matter as well as a chronology of events. This is a separate document that sets out the time line of when various key events took place.
For example, if you are meeting a lawyer for a probate matter (or a letters of administration matter), then we recommend that you bring with you the following:
- original last will and testmament of the person who has died;
- the contact details of the beneficiaries of the will ;
- the deceased’s death certificate;
- a statement of the deceased’s assets and liabilities. Be sure to provide full details of this including bank account details, the value of the assets (or a reasonable estimate). In Western Australia , this statement is calculated as of the date of death. Therefore, the costs of the deceased’s funeral will not be included in this statement;
- Divorce certificate if the deceased has since been divorced since creating the will;
- any documents that explain possible issues in the will, such as if the deceased had changed his/her name since the date of creating the will;
- any documents, medical certificates that go to explain the deceased’s testamentary capacity (if this may be in doubt).
For example, if you are seeing an attorney about a commercial matter , such as a recovering rent from a commercial tenant , the following documents will assist your solicitor and save you money:
- a summary of the facts that took place in relation to your legal file ;
- a time chronology of events that occurred ;
- originals of all contracts and documents regarding your matter;
- details of the other party;
- contact details of possible witnesses;
- any court papers (if proceedings have been commenced).
We hope that this article on information on the law in Western Australia will assist you when hiring a Perth Lawyer. You can save money and get cheap legal advice.
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