KHQ Lawyers

I approached KHQ lawyers to process the probate on my brother’s estate primarily as they had drawn up, and held his will. My initial call was promptly returned by John Toohey and a preliminary meeting arranged. At the meeting John fully explained the process and the costs involved. From there he, and paralegal Melissa Smith, quickly set the process in motion. And it was completed, surprisingly, within three months. John and Melissa kept me informed or progress throughout process and were very helpful in answering questions. I would happily recommend their services.

After what I felt was the worst possible outcome in the legal proceeding where I had KHQ Lawyers represent our family in a Victorian Supreme Court Case against one of the BIG FOUR BANKS I had to seek the assistance of Cost Lawyer to check over the fees charged. I was getting calls from a KHQ consultant claiming debt and threats. I was getting charged higher rate than what was in the Cost disclosure statement provided and our files withheld. I was forced to commenced Costs Court proceedings against KHQ Lawyers Victorian Supreme Court, in which I was the Applicant and KHQ Lawyers was the Respondent: • The Applicant engaged the KHQ Lawyers (Respondent law firm) to act on his behalf on or about 20 February 2020 in relation to the Supreme Court proceeding (S ECI 2019 05783) he was involved in against a Bank until the retainer ended on or about 29 July 2023. • The Respondent provided an initial costs agreement and disclosure statement on 20 February 2020 estimating total legal costs in the amount of $10,000 excluding GST including disbursements. • After this estimate was provided, the document noted "From commencement until completion of a concluded trial might cost approximately $100,000 to $150,000." • In terms of counsel fees, the Respondent provided counsel's disclosure on 9 March 2022 estimating counsel's costs in the amount of $180,675.00, and again on 20 July 2022, estimating counsel's costs in the amount of $68,750.00. • The Applicant was ultimately charged $501,965.09. • The Applicant notes the Respondent failed to comply with s174 (1)(b) of the LPUL, as an update to the initial estimate of total legal costs was never provided to the Applicant. At no point was the Applicant informed that his costs would amount to over $500,000. • The Respondent has breached its main costs disclosure obligation and as a result the costs agreement is automatically void pursuant to s178 of the LPUL. It is submitted that fair and reasonable rates apply for the purpose of calculating reasonable costs, rather than the rates noted in the invoices or costs agreements. Paul Welling from KHQ Lawyers also engaged Cost lawyer to fight the claim and the costs I had to incur in the Cost Court. I was successful and KHQ lawyers was unsuccessful. Costs Court resolved on 16 May 2024: • KHQ’s total legal costs were reduced from $501,976.09 to $430,000, a reduction of $71,976.09. • The Court ordered KHQ to reimburse my costs of assessment, amounting to $27,255.40 after I spent $58,921.02 with cost lawyer I was very disappointed with the representation. Threats from KHQ Lawyers was unbearable. Reference: Supreme Court No S ECI 2023 03092.

My 82 year old mother had a terrible experience dealing with this firm. All they seemed interested in was continuing to ask her for more money, yet did very little in actually helping her to achieve the desired outcome. After she refused to engage their services anymore, she was harassed with the threat of a debt collector chasing her for unpaid monies owed. To constantly harass an 82 year old by phone is extremely poor form. Worst decision she ever made was to listen to a friend who recommended this firm.

I had an awful relocation family law case and Suzan was the most wonderful, caring and professional Lawyer I ever met. We won and she did an amazing job. Thanks for guidance, help, support and every time an open ear. At court she was supportive and professional. They have an amazing network for getting all the support people. I strongly recommend this lawyers. Thank you.

Family law proceedings are never easy especially when it comes to parental care arrangements of children. Losing my children to fabricated and vexatious lies and the manipulation of the legal system, I hired KHQ Lawyers, STEFAN PANTELLIS and GREG OLIVER. These professional lawyers navigated me through my case and successfully brought about a clear and just result in the shortest possible time. This outcome has given me and my two young daughters 100% peace of mind, security, stability and renewed my faith in the Family Law legal system. Throughout my case, their professionalism, patience, willingness to listen and in-depth knowledge of the law dramatically lessened this stressful period and brought about a very successful outcome. I would highly recommend KHQ Lawyers, STEFAN PANTELLIS and GREG OLIVER.