Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) will pay for outstanding disbursements at the end of each stage of a grant. However, VLA will pay only if the lawyer itemises the disbursements in the interim or final tax invoices they give to VLA at the end of each stage.
Documentary requirements
Where a practitioner is required to seek prior approval for a disbursement, they must provide VLA with a copy of the quote for service, the qualifications of the expert providing the service, and the reasons for the request including an explanation of how the service would benefit the assisted person and the detriment to the assisted person if the service is not provided.
Where a disbursement is approved, in order to claim the fee payable, a practitioner must retain on their file evidence of the service and payment for that service.
Read the table of minimum evidence requirements.
Updated