Key points
- Check that the lawyer holds a current practising certificate on the Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner register.
- Lawyers in Victoria must give you costs disclosure, explaining how you’ll be charged and an estimate of total costs.
- Ask whether a fixed fee is available, and what’s included and excluded.
- Clear communication and practical advice matter as much as experience.
1. Is the lawyer allowed to practise?
In Victoria, lawyers must hold a current practising certificate. You can check the public register of lawyers on the Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner website.
2. Have they handled matters like mine?
Ask how often the lawyer deals with your type of matter, whether that’s a property purchase, a family law property settlement, an intervention order or a visa refusal. A firm that practises across several areas can also help when one issue affects another, for example when a separation involves selling a home.
3. How will I be charged?
Under the legal profession rules that apply in Victoria, lawyers must generally give you costs disclosure: how fees are calculated, an estimate of the total legal costs, and your rights if you disagree with a bill. Ask whether you’ll be charged:
- a fixed fee for a defined scope of work;
- an hourly rate, and in what time increments; or
- a mix of both.
Also ask about disbursements, such as searches, filing fees and barrister fees, which are usually charged on top.
4. What exactly is included?
With a fixed fee, check what’s included and what would cost extra. For example, does a conveyancing fee include the contract review, or does a family law fee include drafting consent orders?
5. Who will do the work, and how will they keep me updated?
Ask who your main contact will be, how quickly they usually reply, and whether you can meet online. Regular updates make a big difference to your stress levels.
6. What are my options, and the risks of each?
A good first consultation should leave you understanding your options, including the risks, likely costs and timeframes of each. Be cautious of anyone who guarantees a particular outcome.
7. What do other clients say?
Online reviews give a sense of how a firm communicates and treats its clients. Look at how recent the reviews are and what they say about responsiveness and clarity.
About Asher Freeman Lawyers
Asher Freeman Lawyers is a law firm in Chadstone, Victoria, founded in 2021. We act for individuals, families and businesses across Victoria in conveyancing and property, family law, intervention orders, traffic law, business sales, business disputes and other areas. We quote fixed fees wherever possible, meet online or at our Chadstone office (by prior appointment), and are rated 5.0 from 35 Google reviews.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a lawyer is registered in Victoria?
Search the register of lawyers on the Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner website to confirm they hold a current practising certificate.
Do lawyers have to tell me their fees up front?
Generally, yes. Lawyers must give costs disclosure explaining how you'll be charged and an estimate of total costs.
What's the difference between a fixed fee and hourly rates?
A fixed fee is an agreed price for a defined scope of work. Hourly rates depend on the time spent, so the final cost can vary.
Can I meet with a lawyer online?
Yes. Asher Freeman Lawyers meets with clients online across Victoria, or in person at our Chadstone office by prior appointment.
This article is general information about Victorian and Australian law as at 8 October 2026. It is not legal advice. Contact us for advice about your situation.
