How you will be charged
Feel free to discuss legal fees without charge, and generally your situation.

Initially you will receive a letter of engagement setting out how you will be charged. This is primarily with reference to the hourly rate, which you will be must be advised about before committing to any cost. Steve's hourly rates are significantly less than other senior lawyers, as experienced as he is. Discounted fees are offered to members of the NZ Defence Force, present and past, and for other groups.  

Where possible, Steve will try to keep your costs down, and will give you an indication of how much your case is likely to cost, depending on what path it takes.

And of course, you will not be billed simply for asking about your situation.

Legal Aid
Steve is an approved Ministry of Justice legal service provider, and will act on a legal aid basis for criminal, civil, and family law cases, but not for relationship property.

With relationship property cases, often when granting legal aid the Ministry of Justice will require either a contribution or a charge over your property so that legal aid is in effect a loan.

Steve is happy to assist you to obtain finance to pay for your case.