Policy Bulletin 2024/4: Fee scale for Commonwealth family law matters

20 May 2024

The Legal Aid NSW Board has approved changes to the Fee Scale for Commonwealth family law matters. 

Background

Legal Aid NSW has approved several increases to the fees paid in Commonwealth family law matters. The fee increases address pain points raised by panel lawyers representing parties and appearing as independent children’s lawyers (ICLs). The changes also acknowledge the additional documentation and evidence required in property settlement matters.

What has changed?

The fee changes are:

Parties
  • One additional hour ($150) for early intervention mediation to assist with consent orders or advising on initiating court proceedings.
  • One additional hour ($150) for preparation for court-based mediation to cover case outline requirements.
  • Two additional hours ($300) at the initial stage of proceedings in property settlement matters.
  • One additional hour ($150) for conciliation conferences in property settlement matters.
ICLs
  • One additional hour ($150) for preparation for court-based mediation to cover case outline requirements.
  • One additional hour ($150) at the initial stage for ICLs to cover additional requirements around meeting with children.

The changes are set out in the Family law fee scale for the Federal Circuit and Family Court.

Start date

The changes apply

  • to Early Resolution Assistance determined on and after 20 May 2024, and
  • to work done under a grant of aid on and after 20 May 2024.

Contact for further information

The Client Eligibility Unit at:  T-CEU@legalaid.nsw.gov.au.