Disbursements
Updated 2026-09-29
Disbursements are the out-of-pocket costs a lawyer pays on a client’s behalf while handling a case, separate from the lawyer’s own professional fee. Common examples include filing fees, process server charges, and fees for obtaining official documents or records.
These costs are usually passed on to the client, either as they arise or billed together at agreed points during the case. They are not the lawyer’s payment for their time or expertise.
Because disbursements can add up, especially in a case involving multiple applications or hearings, asking for an estimate of likely disbursements alongside legal fees gives a clearer overall picture of cost.
When it matters
Clarifying disbursements upfront helps avoid surprise costs partway through a case, particularly for urgent applications like a freeze order.
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