Engagement

Terms of engagement

Standard terms on which FamilyLawSuper.com.au accepts instructions for actuarial valuations and expert reports.

Last reviewed: 10 May 2026. These terms are summarised here for transparency. The retainer issued at the time of instruction prevails to the extent of any inconsistency.

1. Scope

We provide independent actuarial valuations and expert reports concerning superannuation interests in family law property settlements under Part VIII / VIIIAB / VIIIB / VIIIC of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). We do not provide legal, financial or tax advice. Our scope is limited to the questions identified in the retainer.

2. Fixed fee

Reports are provided on a fixed-fee basis (currently A$495 + GST per standard valuation report; specialty engagements quoted separately). The fee is agreed in writing before work begins and covers the report, one round of clarifying questions and minor corrections of typographical or arithmetic errors notified within 14 days of delivery. Re-bases, supplementary opinions and oral evidence are quoted separately.

3. Expert-witness duty

Where the report is prepared for use in proceedings, the actuary's paramount duty is to the Court, overriding any obligation to the instructing party (FCFCOA (Family Law) Rules 2021, Chapter 7). The report carries the express declaration required by the Harmonised Expert Witness Code of Conduct.

4. Independence and conflicts

Before accepting instructions we run a conflict check against both parties and their legal representatives. We decline matters where independence cannot be maintained. See our Conflict of Interest Policy.

5. Limitations and assumptions

Our opinions are based on the information provided and on assumptions disclosed on the face of the report. Where information is missing or in dispute, we adopt instructed assumptions and identify the directional sensitivity of the result. We are not retained to verify documents provided to us, although we will identify obvious inconsistencies.

6. Liability limit

Our liability is limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. We hold professional indemnity insurance commensurate with the practice; details are available to instructing solicitors on request.

7. Confidentiality

Information provided to us is held in confidence and used only for the purpose of the engagement. See our privacy policy.

8. Termination

Either party may terminate the engagement on written notice. Fees for work completed up to termination are payable. Where the report has not yet been delivered, our work product remains our property until the fee is paid in full.