Frequently Asked Questions about Legal Services in South West Victoria

Our fees for matters vary, and it is important to speak with your solicitor during the first interview about the fees, expenses, and costs. Our solicitors will explain the likely costs and, in most cases, provide you with an estimated range of costs for you to consider.

Employing a lawyer can be expensive, but entering into some situations without legal assistance can be more costly. That's why it's important to find the right Lawyer for the situation. To discuss the merits of your legal issue with an experienced lawyer, contact us.

Aside from having highly skilled lawyers with experience in a wide range of law, Taits Legal offers individual client contact and value for money that can only be obtained from an experienced firm.

It depends on how we can help you in your situation. Normally, we will ask you for information about your legal issue, take you through the relevant law and then advise you of the practical and commercial considerations. We will try to give you a few options to consider and see how we can best guide you through your problem and tell you of the costs. We will also check whether or not we have a conflict so that we may act on your behalf.

Taits Legal will make every effort to explain the contents of the documents so that you have a clear understanding of the correspondence and documents you receive. For example, we often meet with clients to explain business structures and estate planning. We provide clear diagrams of arrangements and structures to set out clearly their operation and effect. It is important to us that our clients leave our office with a full understanding of the legal issue they have sought advice on.

This is the actual process of dealing with a Deceased's estate, specifically identifying assets and arranging their collection, paying outstanding expenses, compliance with all legal requirements and taxation responsibilities, ascertaining beneficiaries, and distributing the deceased's assets in accordance with the last Will.

It is a personal choice when you make your Will, but any person over 18 years of age should consider making a Will.  It is important that you make provisions for how you would like any assets distributed on your death. Many people consider making Wills when:

They travel overseas;

They begin a family and want to ensure that the child is provided for;

They begin acquiring assets such as homes and cars.

Your Will should be drafted in a manner that will ensure your wishes are carried out, the potential for litigation is diminished, and your estate will be administered in the most efficient and tax-effective manner.

No. Separation and a belief that the marriage has irretrievably broken down are the only requirements. The cause of the breakdown has no bearing on the outcome of disputes concerning children, spouse maintenance and property.

12 months

An Enduring Power of Attorney is a document that appoints one person or more to act on behalf of another in relation to property, assets and financial affairs. There are also Enduring Power of Attorney documents specific to medical treatment. Everyone should have both a financial and medical Enduring Power of Attorney.  Once you lose the capacity to appoint an attorney it is too late to appoint one yourself.

An enduring Power of Attorney is one that continues to operate even if you lose your mental capacity.  

The Attorney can only make those decisions that you specify in the document. For instance, you may only want your Attorney to pay your water and electricity bills.