Frequently Asked Questions

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Early intervention can be critical, particularly in matters where timeframes are applicable, such as matters which are, or soon will be, in Court. 

Your first consultation (30 minutes) is at no cost and no obligation to you and is conducted online via Zoom. Contact us to make an appointment to discuss your matter and we can guide you through the process, including advising whether the time is right to take the matter further.

Once you have been separated for 12 months, you will be able to file for divorce. 

If you have been married for less than 2 years, there are further requirements.

In some circumstances we may be able to provide you with an appointment on the same day, however we cannot guarantee this. Urgent enquiries should be emailed to christy@christyrothlaw.com.au and marked URGENT. Urgent appointments will be generally be conducted by phone. 

All face-to-face appointments will be carried out at our office at Suite 9, 3-5 Ballinger Road, Buderim, unless otherwise agreed. Face-to-face appointments require a minimum notice period of 48 hours and will incur a charge on a pro-rata basis per our hourly rate.

That depends entirely upon the nature of your matter. Family Law matters can vary dramatically depending on the nature of the matter and as such we will not be able to give you an idea of timeframes until we have discussed your matter with you. 

Contract and document review timeframes are dependent upon the document and cannot be provided until the document has been sighted and scope of work ascertained. Similarly, we are unable to provide timeframes for other commercial enquiries until the nature of the work required is established. 

We will always give you a timeframe upon commencement of your matter, and keep you updated if at any time it looks likely that our estimated timeframe, and any associated costs, may change.

We are unable to accept matters funded by Legal Aid.

We offer payment plans by agreement only for pensioners, for as long as the respective card is valid. Continuation of payment plan is conditional on regular payments being made (as per individual agreement). Conditions must be met to ensure continuation of any payment plan entered into.

Payment plans can only be offered where there is a property component to the matter, and where such fees can be secured by way of property. 

We also offer funding solutions through our partnership with JustFund.

Although we are not a conveyancing firm, if property transactions form part of your settlement in family law, we can arrange for conveyancers to carry out that part of the work for you (with your consent and on your instructions).  

All matters are charged on a timed basis in increments of 6 minutes. We do not offer fixed fee services.

Our time is important, as is yours. By scheduling an appointment with us, and failing to attend, it prevents others from being able to access our services throughout that period.

Accordingly, appointments which are cancelled or rescheduled less than 24 hours before their scheduled time will incur a $100 cancellation charge. 

Appointments which are cancelled or rescheduled 24-48 hours before their scheduled time will incur a $50 cancellation charge.  

Appointments cancelled or rescheduled 48 hours or longer before their scheduled time will not be charged a cancellation charge.

The initial 15-minute consultation is at no charge to new clients and involves verbal advice only. This consultation can take place either by phone or by zoom. 

If you require written advice, this will incur an expense and will be charged on a timed basis in increments of 6 minutes.  

If you wish to cancel or reschedule a complimentary consultation, 48 hours' notice is required. Failure to advise of cancellation or reschedule within the 48-hour period prior to the appointment will result in loss of the appointment, and no further complimentary consultation will be available. 

In the event that your initial consultation exceeds 15 minutes, you will be charged on a timed basis in increments of 6 minutes.

Where money is owed to a lawyer, they are entitled to retain your file (referred to as a "solicitor's lien") until all monies owed to them are paid in full. If your file is unable to be released to your subsequent lawyer, it can make it difficult for them to act due to not having all relevant information available.

It is our policy not to take on clients who have an existing debt with another lawyer. We will only be able to act for you once your previous lawyer's bill is settled in full, without exception.