Most people who contact us have never needed a lawyer before — and that's completely normal. Here are honest, plain-English answers to the questions we're asked most. If yours isn't here, just ask. Your first consultation is confidential.
Costs & getting started
We believe you should understand what something costs before you commit to it. There are no surprises here — just clear answers about money, process and what to expect.
We start with an initial consultation to understand your matter, answer your questions, and tell you honestly whether and how we can help. We explain any costs clearly and upfront before any work begins, and there's no obligation to go further. If we're not the right firm for your matter, we'll say so and point you in a better direction. You'll never be pressured into anything.
It depends on the type of matter and how complex it turns out to be — so the most honest answer is that we'll give you a clear estimate once we understand your situation, which is exactly what that first consultation is for. Depending on the work, we may charge a fixed fee (common for things like a will, a conveyance or a straightforward application) or an hourly rate for matters that can't be priced upfront.
Whatever the arrangement, you'll receive a written costs disclosure setting out our fees before any chargeable work begins, as required under the Legal Profession Uniform Law. We'll talk you through it in plain English, and we'll keep you informed if anything changes. No hidden costs, no nasty bills at the end.
Eight areas, all under one trusted roof: family law, criminal and police matters, property and conveyancing, wills, probate and estates, commercial disputes, VCAT and building disputes, insurance claims, and business consulting. You can read about each on our Areas of Law page. If your matter spans more than one area — which happens often — you'll have a single firm coordinating it all, rather than being passed between strangers.
In many cases, yes. We understand that legal costs can arrive at a difficult time, and we'd rather find a workable arrangement than see someone go without advice they need. Payment options depend on the type of matter, so the best thing to do is raise it with us early — ideally at your first consultation — and we'll be upfront about what we can offer. There's no harm in asking, and we'd always rather have that conversation than have you worry in silence.
Access to justice shouldn't depend on what you can pay, and we take on pro bono matters every year because we believe that. If you genuinely can't afford representation, tell us — we'll be honest about whether we can help, and we'll point you towards other options if we can't.
You may also be eligible for assistance from Victoria Legal Aid, a Community Legal Centre, or — for some matters — a duty lawyer at court. We're happy to talk you through which of these might fit your situation. Eligibility for legal aid is decided by Victoria Legal Aid, not by us, but we can help you understand the path.
Bring whatever you have — and don't worry if that isn't much. A few things that help us give you the clearest advice on the day:
If you can't find a document, come anyway — we can often help you track things down. Our guide on what to bring to your first consultation walks through it in more detail.
Appointments & what to expect
However you prefer to reach us — in person, by phone or by video — we'll make it as easy as we can.
Yes. Many clients prefer to meet us in person at our Doncaster East office, but we know that isn't always practical — so we're happy to speak by phone or by video call instead. It makes no difference to the quality of advice you'll receive. Just let us know what suits you when you get in touch, and we'll arrange it.
Our office is at 4/1004 Doncaster Rd, Doncaster East, and we regularly help people across Melbourne's east and beyond — including Doncaster, Templestowe, Box Hill, Balwyn, Ringwood, Blackburn and the Melbourne CBD. You can see them all on our Areas We Serve page. Because we also meet by phone and video, and because many matters are handled through courts and tribunals across Victoria, where you live is rarely a barrier — wherever you are in Melbourne, we can usually help.
As soon as we reasonably can — and sooner if your matter is urgent. If you're facing a court date, a deadline, a police interview or a looming notice, tell us straight away when you call or write, and we'll do our best to prioritise you. For matters that aren't time-critical, we'll find an appointment time that works around your week. The quickest way to get moving is to phone us on (03) 9848 7275 or send an enquiry, and we'll come back to you promptly.
Yes. Everything you share with us is treated in the strictest confidence, and most of it is also protected by legal professional privilege. That protection generally applies from your very first contact with us — including that first consultation — so you can speak openly. We won't discuss your matter with anyone outside the firm without your instructions, except in the rare situations where the law requires it. If you're ever unsure what can and can't be shared, just ask, and we'll explain.
We're proud to serve a genuinely diverse community, and we know that legal matters are far harder to face in a second language. If English isn't your first language, please don't let that hold you back from getting help. Where needed, we can arrange a professional, confidential interpreter so you can explain things in your own words and fully understand the advice you're given. Just let us know your preferred language when you make your enquiry, and we'll take care of the arrangements.
It's simple and there's no pressure. Once you call, email or send the contact form, a member of our team will get back to you promptly to ask a few details and arrange your confidential consultation — in person, by phone or by video. In that first meeting we'll listen, tell you honestly where you stand, and explain the options. If you decide to go ahead, we'll set out the next steps and the costs clearly in writing before any chargeable work begins. If you decide not to, that's completely fine — you'll leave with a clearer picture either way. Whatever you're facing, you won't have to work it out alone.
Tell us what's happening and we'll tell you, honestly, whether and how we can help. Call us, email us, or fill in the form — whichever feels easiest for you. Your first consultation is completely confidential.
Personal or business, big or small — get clear advice from a firm that's been doing justice in Melbourne for over 25 years. Your first consultation is confidential, with no obligation to go any further.