At JR Burns Law our clients are at the core of everything we do. We know that one of the first questions on a client's mind when they're contacting a lawyer is "how much is this going to cost?" 

To keep our clients in control of their outcomes and their legal fees, we offer several billing and payment options:

1. Fixed Fees;

2. Payment Plans; and

3. Deferred Payments. 

Fixed Fees 

We understand that in an already uncertain time, our clients need certainty surrounding their costs and legal fees. This is why we offer fixed fees for all of our services, empowering our clients to move forward and take control of their situation

Why are fixed fees better for our clients? 

Fixed fees let our clients know upfront what their matter will cost. This puts our clients in an informed position, and allows them to carefully consider the pros and cons of each step moving forwards.

The set fee includes all of the work that is undertaken for that stage, including all calls or emails to you or the other party. Sometimes a person may be in need of advice or even just have a quick question, but they are too hesitant to call their lawyer because they will be charged for the call. With fixed fees that is simply not a concern, because everything is included.

Fixed fees also allow our clients to budget for their matter and pay in stages, taking the strain off their day to day financial lives. Unlike traditional 'time based billing', our client's legal costs will not escalate out of hand, and there are never any nasty surprises at the end. 

From a lawyer's perspective, fixed fees encourage efficiency and problem solving. No matter your circumstances, we will charge a set fee for each step. Unfortunately 'time based billing' can incentivise a lawyer to drag things out, rather than get their clients to the right solution as soon as possible. 

How does it work?

Fixed fees work in just a few simple steps: 

1. Firstly, we meet with you to get an understanding of your particular circumstances, needs, and your goals. 

2. After our meeting, we provide you with a quote tailored to your circumstances, as well as a set fee for each possible stage moving forward.

3. You pay the fixed fee for your selected stage into our trust account, where the money is held until the work is completed.

4. We then complete the work you have instructed us to undertake, and once it is complete our invoice is paid from the money held in trust on your behalf.

5. You may choose to instruct us to undertake further steps on your behalf, in which case you simply select the stage and pay the fixed fee.

What are the risks?

Fixed fees put you in control of your costs, but in rare circumstances we need to change our quote. This usually occurs when the circumstances completely change. For example, if you instruct us to prepare an agreement, but at the last minute the other party refuses to sign and we have to go to Court, then we will review your previous fee and you will be charged only for the work that has been completed.

Deferred payments

Deferred payments are available for some clients in discrete circumstances.

If you are likely to receive a property settlement at the conclusion of your matter, but you do not have funds available to you upfront, then you may be a suitable candidate for deferred payments. 

If you are seeking a deferred payment arrangement, please raise this at your initial consultation so that we can discuss the options available to you. As with all of our fees, you will still receive a detailed upfront quote, so that you can stay in control of your costs.