Disbursements
This table sets out the minimum evidence practitioners must retain on file when claiming fees for disbursements. Failure to retain these records may amount to a compliance breach.
Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) may require copies of these documents prior to certifying a claim for payment.
| Disbursement type | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Court filing fees | Invoice/receipt |
| Conduct money | Invoice/receipt Evidence of service of subpoena |
| Process server fees | Invoice/receipt Affidavit of service |
| FOI costs | Receipt for payment of application fee Receipt for processing fees FOI decision letter |
| Title lodging/search fees | Receipt Copy of title |
| Medical/psychological/psychiatric reports | Request for report or instructions to expert Tax invoice Receipt Report Where a non-attendance fee is claimed:
|
| Family reports | Request for report Tax invoice Receipt Report Where a non-attendance fee is claimed:
|
| Other expert reports | Request for report or instructions to expert Tax invoice Receipt Report |
| Interstate travel costs | Invoice/receipts |
| Travel within Victoria | Invoice/receipt |
| Overnight allowances | Receipts for accommodation and any meals |
| Interpreter fees | Invoice/receipt |
| Translation fees | Invoice/receipt Copies of original documents and translated document. |
Counsel fees
This table sets out the minimum evidence practitioners must retain on file when claiming for counsel fees.
| Counsel service | Evidence |
| Preparation | Invoice/receipt or backsheet |
| Conferences | Invoice/receipt Invoice/receipt or backsheet – listing names of persons attending conference and service dates |
| Additional preparation | Invoice/receipt or backsheet On occasion VLA may require counsel to keep a log of hours spent on additional preparation. This will be set out in the approval letter. |
| Preparing documents | Invoice/receipt or backsheet Copies of documents |
| Circuit fees | Invoice/receipt or backsheet that confirms appearance at court location and service dates |
| Appearances | Invoice/receipt or backsheet that confirms appearance and service dates |
Updated