Practitioners are reminded that it is a condition of a grant of legal assistance that costs are recovered wherever possible.
Unforeseen circumstances (for example, court adjournments) entitle lawyers to recover or seek costs. Given the number of proceedings where grants of legal assistance exist, this can amount to substantial funds we can reallocate to additional client matters.
How to recover costs
To help you recover costs we have put together webpages on our LawHub website that cover how to seek and recover costs, including application and submission processes and links to Appeal Costs Board forms, legislation and cases:
- Seeking costs in family law proceedings
- Appeal costs certificates in criminal proceedings
- Appeal costs certificates in civil proceedings
Beware – there’s a time limit in appeal costs matters
A 12-month time limit applies so please submit your applications when billing and closing files to ensure a swift process.
Please note that Appeal Costs Fund Certificates can sometimes be submitted even before a matter has concluded (except in a re-trial).
Contact
If you have any queries or need more information on making cost applications please email CostRecovery@vla.vic.gov.au
More information
Department of Justice – How to apply to the Appeal Costs Board
Updated