As of 2025-2026, a lawyer’s time spent on family law work in NSW is charged at $194.69 per hour, plus GST. However, this figure only represents the cost of the lawyer’s time and doesn’t include other associated court fees or potential expenses like court filing fees or expert reports.
What does this hourly rate cover?
This hourly rate, as outlined in the Family Law Regulations, covers time reasonably spent by a lawyer – or their clerk – on work related to your matter. This includes preparing documents, corresponding with you and the other party, attending court, and providing legal advice. It’s important to understand that even seemingly small tasks, like reading an email, can be billed in increments of time.
Are there different rates for different lawyers?
The regulations specify a rate for lawyers, but do not differentiate between experience levels. Senior counsel and junior counsel have separate, higher rates, but this article focuses on standard solicitor fees. Individual firms may have different billing practices, such as minimum billing increments (e.g., 6-minute or 15-minute blocks), so it’s crucial to clarify this upfront.
What about court fees?
Court fees are separate from lawyer fees and are set by Federal Government Regulations. As of 2025, an application for divorce costs $1,125, while applying for consent orders is $205. These fees are subject to change and do not include GST. A full list of current fees is available from the Federal Court website.
The complexity of time recording
Accurately tracking legal time is complex. Lawyers are ethically required to record their time diligently, but it’s easy for costs to escalate quickly. A seemingly straightforward property settlement can involve numerous hours of work reviewing documents, negotiating with the other party, and preparing for potential court appearances. It’s vital to have a clear understanding of the scope of work and potential costs involved from the outset.
Questions to consider
- What is the lawyer’s preferred method of billing (e.g., 6-minute increments)?
- How often will I receive invoices, and what level of detail will they include?
- What is the estimated total cost of my matter, and what factors could cause that estimate to change?
This information is general in nature and does not constitute legal
advice. For advice specific to your situation, contact JB Solicitors.