Fees

A fixed fee for the first step, and a written quote before anything more. All prices include GST.

On this page: Fixed fees How payment works What is not included Questions The law Enquire

Fixed fees

All prices include GST.

$990 including GST

Consumer: review and a letter to the business

Reading your documents; my view of your rights and the remedy to ask for; a letter to the business on my letterhead; one follow-up; their reply passed on with my view and your options.

$1,320 including GST

Cars: review and a letter to the dealer or manufacturer

As above, plus advice on the used car warranty, cooling-off and a Guarantee Fund claim where they apply.

$1,650 including GST

Building: review and a letter to the builder or owner

Reading the contract, plans, variations and defects report; my view of the warranties and the dispute process; a letter setting out the defects or the claim and what must be done.

$990 including GST

Business: review of a customer's complaint or claim and a letter in reply

Reading the complaint and your records; my view of the claim and your obligations; a reply on my letterhead that protects your position.

$1,980 including GST

Business: terms, refund policy and warranty check

A written review of a standard set of terms (up to 10 pages), your refund and returns wording and your warranty against defects, with marked-up changes.

Quoted

VCAT, Building and Plumbing Commission and court work

Quoted in writing before I start.

How payment works

You pay the fixed fee before I start. Before any work starts, I tell you in writing what it will cost.¹ If the matter goes further, I quote the next step in writing, and you decide whether to go ahead.

What is not included

Expert or inspection reports (for example a mechanic’s or building inspector’s report). I tell you if one is needed.
VCAT and court fees.
Negotiation beyond one follow-up, conciliation at the Building and Plumbing Commission, and VCAT or court work. These are quoted in writing before I start.

Questions

Have another question? Phone 1800 776 529 or send me a message.

Can I get my legal costs back from the business?

Sometimes. In VCAT each party usually pays its own costs, with exceptions.² In court, the losing party is usually ordered to pay part of the winner’s costs. I tell you which applies before you decide.

Do you take a percentage of what I recover?

No. Fees are fixed or quoted in advance.

The law

Legal Profession Uniform Law Application Act 2014 (Vic) sch 1 (Legal Profession Uniform Law) ss 170, 174.
Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 1998 (Vic) ss 109, 112.

Last reviewed: November 2026. This page is general information about Victorian and Commonwealth law as at November 2026. It is not legal advice about your circumstances.

Tell me what happened

I reply within one business day.

To send documents, use the Start online form.

Phone: 1800 776 529
Email: info@consumerlawyers.com.au
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5:30 pm
Office: 435 Nepean Highway, Frankston VIC 3199 (by appointment)

I act for consumers and for businesses, but never for both sides of the same dispute. Before I start, I check that I have not acted for the other party.