A ‘cost ceiling’ is the maximum amount which Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) will pay in costs and disbursements in any single grant of assistance for a Commonwealth family law matter.
The cost ceiling in adult family law matters is $17,464 (including GST).
This includes all costs and disbursements except:
- interpreters’ fees
- circuit fees
- travel and accommodation costs
- costs ordered and paid under section 10(2) of the Federal Proceedings (Costs) Act 1981
- contributions paid
- costs recovered.
How the cost ceiling is calculated
VLA calculates the cost ceiling by adding together:
- the total amount (including counsel’s fees) which VLA pays the lawyer to represent the assisted person
- any disbursements.
From this total, VLA then subtracts:
- interpreters’ fees
- circuit fees
- travel and accommodation costs
- any contributions paid
- any costs recovered or reimbursed.
When a matter reaches the cost ceiling
If a matter reaches the cost ceiling, then VLA will not pay further fees or costs without prior approval.
Updated