If you`re looking for legal assistance in South Australia, you may come across the term “costs agreement SA”. A costs agreement is a contract between a lawyer and their client that outlines the fees and expenses associated with legal services. In South Australia, costs agreements are regulated by the Legal Practitioners Act 1981 and the Legal Profession Conduct Rules 2010.
The costs agreement must be in writing and must include the following information:
– The lawyer`s name and contact information
– The client`s name and contact information
– The legal services to be provided and the estimated costs
– The payment terms and conditions
– The client`s right to terminate the agreement
– How the lawyer will deal with any money held on trust for the client
– The client`s right to dispute costs and fees
It`s important to carefully review the costs agreement before signing it, as it will form the basis of the lawyer-client relationship and will determine the financial obligations of the client. It`s also important to note that costs agreements can be negotiated and modified if necessary.
Under the Legal Profession Conduct Rules 2010, lawyers in South Australia are required to provide clients with a written statement of their rights in relation to costs, which includes information about the availability of alternative dispute resolution processes and the right to seek third-party costs orders.
In addition, if the legal fees are likely to exceed $750 (excluding GST and disbursements), the lawyer is required to provide the client with a written estimate of the costs and to update the estimate if significant changes occur.
Overall, a costs agreement SA is an important document that protects both the client and the lawyer in a legal matter. It ensures that both parties are clear on the costs involved and the scope of legal services to be provided. If you`re in need of legal assistance in South Australia, make sure to carefully review any costs agreements presented to you and seek legal advice if necessary.