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General FAQs

Answers to common legal questions about JustFund fee funding, what to wear to court, being sued, and what to expect from your first appointment with a lawyer.

Important Legal Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is general legal information only and is not specific legal advice tailored to your individual circumstances. Laws change regularly and every situation is unique.

We strongly advise you to contact us to discuss your specific situation before proceeding with any action based on the information provided here.

Billing

Do you offer funding for Family Law or Wills and Estates?
Can’t afford legal fees upfront? We partner with JustFund to provide legal financing for family law and estate disputes. Pay only after your case is settled.
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Why can't you give me a cost estimate over the phone?
Every legal case is unique. A ‘simple’ divorce or contract can quickly become complex once we review the documents or the other party’s position. Giving an e…
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Business Compliance

Can a food business operate without customer toilets in Queensland?
Understand the regulatory framework governing toilet facilities at Queensland food businesses, including building codes and development approvals.
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Civil Litigation

If you win in court, does the other side automatically pay all your legal fees?
One of the most common myths in civil litigation is that the winning party has all of their legal fees paid by the loser. In reality, costs orders in Queensland courts are highly discretionary, calculated on a complex scale that rarely covers actual fees, and entirely absent in most QCAT matters.
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How do I enforce a QCAT decision if the losing party ignores it?
QCAT makes decisions but does not enforce them. To recover your money, you must register the decision in the Magistrates Court and proceed with enforcement actions.
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Client Rights

Can I change lawyers if I'm unhappy with my current firm?
Yes. You have the right to choose your legal representation. If you are unhappy with the service, communication, or advice you are receiving, you can transfe…
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Consumer Law

Do I have to pay a call-out fee for items under warranty?
Warranty typically only covers mechanical or electrical defects. If a technician is called out and discovers the ‘issue’ was user error or a lack of instructions, you are legally responsible for the call-out fee.
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Court

How should I behave in court? (Court Etiquette)
Court is a formal environment with strict rules of conduct. You should dress professionally (business attire), arrive at least 30 minutes early, bow to the C…
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Queensland Court Hierarchy: A Practical Guide to QLD Courts & Tribunals
Understand the Queensland legal system hierarchy: from QCAT small claims to the Supreme Court. Learn monetary limits, which court handles your case, and where to start.
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How do I appeal a court or tribunal decision in QLD?
An appeal is a request for a higher court to review a decision made by a lower court. You cannot appeal just because you dislike the outcome; you must prove …
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Education

Glossary: Common Legal Terms Explained
Lawyers often use specialized language. This glossary provides simple, plain-English definitions for common terms like ‘Affidavit’, ‘Subpoena’, ‘Litigation’,…
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General Questions

Do Federal Court Orders Stop Operating When Someone Appeals?
An appeal challenges a decision. A stay temporarily suspends the operation or enforcement addressed by the stay order. The two should not be confused.1 No automatic pause Federal Court Rule 36.08 provides that an appeal does not itself operate as a stay or invalidate proceedings already taken. A party seeking a pause must identify the appropriate application and obtain an order. Until then, an existing obligation is not suspended merely because it is disputed on appeal.
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Does the Australian Apple App Store Ruling Apply in the USA?
An Australian judgment about a global company is not necessarily a global operational order. The Apple judgment expressly distinguishes its declaration from the geographic limits imposed on the principal injunctions.1 Covered users and developers differ For the principal distribution and payment orders, the user definition turns on an Australian Apple Account. Developers can be based anywhere if they meet the orders’ developer definition. This allows an overseas developer to use the Australian arrangements without making every overseas customer a covered user.
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Is Android Banning Sideloading or Requiring Developer Verification?
Google is adding identity verification and app-registration requirements to parts of the Android ecosystem. That is a material change, but “Android has banned sideloading” does not accurately describe the published policy.1 The rollout is staged The initial enforcement phase began on 30 September 2026 for participating stores in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand. Google says broader expansion for apps on certified Android devices is scheduled for 2027. Its FAQ distinguishes this first phase from direct sideloading and non-participating stores. Separate Play Console registration requirements can have a wider reach and should be assessed separately.1
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What Did the Australian Apple App Store Orders Require?
The Federal Court’s Apple remedies decision concerns competition in iOS app distribution and payments for digital content. Its practical effect depends on the particular obligation, the covered account and any subsequent court orders.1 Distribution and payment choices The orders address alternative marketplaces, direct downloads, necessary developer tools and alternatives to Apple’s in-app purchase system. They also restrict specified commercial conditions and retaliation against developers using the protected alternatives. This does not guarantee that every developer will offer every distribution or payment option.
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What Does an FCA Judgment Mean in Australia?
The citation Epic Games Inc v Apple Inc (No 2) [2026] FCA 1552 identifies an Australian Federal Court judgment. It is not a decision of the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority.1 Read the citation “2026” is the judgment year, “FCA” identifies the court and “1552” is the judgment number. “No 2” distinguishes the decision from an earlier judgment in the proceedings. It does not establish that the decision was an appeal.
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Will the Apple Ruling Make Apps Cheaper or Give Users Refunds?
More competition may change commercial options without producing the same financial result for every customer. The Apple orders should not be advertised as a guaranteed discount or universal compensation scheme.1 Prices remain commercial decisions The orders restrict specified barriers to developers offering lower prices through alternative distribution or payment arrangements. Whether a developer does so depends on its commercial choices, payment costs and service model. A developer may also incur additional expenses for distribution, security, support and compliance.
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Does a Free Sausage Sizzle Need a Food Licence in Queensland?
Giving away a sausage sandwich does not automatically put an event outside Queensland food laws. The first questions are who is operating the event, what food activity is occurring and where it is happening. Those questions matter more than whether money changes hands. Why Free Can Still Count The Food Act 2006 (Qld) uses an extended meaning of “sell”. It includes food given away in specified business circumstances, including promotional activity.1
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What Should I Do if Council Shuts Down My Event in Queensland?
If council tells you to stop an event, the first task is to understand exactly what has happened. A request for information, an oral direction, a compliance notice and an infringement notice are not necessarily the same thing. Start with the actual document or communication. Identify the Decision Ask the officer to explain the activity in question and the legal basis for the direction. Request written confirmation where appropriate. Record the officer’s name, the date and what was said without escalating the situation.
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Why Might a Coroner Delay Releasing a Body in Queensland?
Waiting to arrange a funeral can add considerable distress to a bereavement. An explanation for a particular delay requires information from the investigating coronial file. General information cannot determine whether an individual delay was necessary or justified. Why a Death May Be Reported Queensland’s coronial system operates under the Coroners Act 2003 (Qld). The Act identifies reportable deaths and provides powers to investigate the relevant circumstances. It does not mean every death receives the same coronial process.1
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How much does an initial consultation cost?
We believe in transparency. For many standard matters (like Wills or Conveyancing), we offer fixed-fee quotes so you know exactly what you will pay. For comp…
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Rules for Storing and Transporting Petrol in Jerry Cans in QLD
Are you storing fuel at home or transporting petrol in a jerry can? Queensland law dictates strict limits based on where it’s stored to prevent fire hazards and insurance voids.
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Do you offer payment plans?
We understand legal costs can be unexpected. For many matters, we can arrange flexible payment plans or ‘pay at the end’ arrangements (deferred payment) depe…
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Can I have a consultation via phone or video (Zoom)?
Need a legal consultation? We offer in-person strategy sessions at our Southport office and secure Zoom or phone meetings for follow-ups and remote clients.
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Do you offer client parking?
Yes. While our building does not have reserved visitor spots, there is street parking available on Scarborough Street and several secure multi-level carparks…
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How do I verify a lawyer's credentials?
You can verify any Queensland lawyer’s practicing certificate using the Queensland Law Society’s ‘Find a Solicitor’ tool. Bell & Senior Lawyers are fully acc…
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Do you serve clients outside the Gold Coast?
Yes. While based in Southport, we assist clients across Queensland and Australia, particularly for commercial transactions, property, and Wills. We offer rem…
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Can Queensland solicitors operate interstate?
Yes. As admitted Australian Legal Practitioners, our solicitors are qualified to practice in federal jurisdictions and interstate courts. We regularly assist…
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Limitation periods

How long do I have to sue someone in Queensland? Limitation periods explained
Every legal claim carries a use-by date. Missed deadlines kill more potentially good cases than bad evidence ever will, so knowing your window matters before you do anything else1. In Queensland, the headline number is six years: under section 10 of the Limitation of Actions Act 19742 (Qld), most claims on simple contracts - and most tort claims - must be started within six years of the events giving rise to them. But plenty of important claims run on much shorter clocks, and some on longer ones.
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Litigation

What should I do if I am being sued?
If you receive a ‘Claim and Statement of Claim’, do not ignore it. In Queensland, you normally have only 28 days to file a ‘Notice of Intention to Defend’. I…
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