who writes the articles on lawforalltt.com?
The articles on LawforAllTT.com are written by the team of attorneys at AURORA Chambers; a law practice operating in Trinidad and Tobago. Click here to meet our legal team.
IS AURORA CHAMBERS the right law practice for me?
At AURORA Chambers, we recognise that selecting the right legal representation is a critical decision that can profoundly affect your case and your life. We understand that legal matters often have far-reaching consequences, and choosing the right representation is crucial for your personal, financial, and strategic needs.
At AURORA, we take a client-centred approach, prioritising your best interests at every step. We have implemented modern technologies, including virtual consultations, to streamline communication and case management. We are dedicated to ensuring that clients receive clear explanations of their legal matters tailored to their level of understanding. Our commitment extends to employing innovative approaches to resolve cases effectively.
At AURORA, we take a client-centred approach, prioritising your best interests at every step. We have implemented modern technologies, including virtual consultations, to streamline communication and case management. We are dedicated to ensuring that clients receive clear explanations of their legal matters tailored to their level of understanding. Our commitment extends to employing innovative approaches to resolve cases effectively.
in What countries does your firm practice?
Our law practice operates in Trinidad and Tobago.
what types of cases or areas of law does your office handle?
We practice in the following areas:
FAMILY LAW: This includes:
WILLS, PROBATE & SUCCESSION PLANNING. This includes:
CONVEYANCING, DEEDS & PROPERTY TRANSFERS. This includes:
CONTRACTS, AGREEMENTS & CORRESPONDENCES: Services include:
BUSINESS & COMPANY REGISTRATION AND LICENCE APPLICATIONS & RENEWALS: Services include:
DRAFTING AND REGISTRATION OF LEGAL DOCUMENTS: including:
FAMILY LAW: This includes:
- Consultation Services related to family matters.
- Preparation, filing and representation in a variety of family law applications including:
- Petitions for divorce
- Annulment
- Judicial Separation
- Property Settlement
- Domestic Violence (Application for Protection Orders)
- Application for Financial Relief
- Custody of Children
- Access
- Maintenance
- Guardianship
- Paternity Applications
- Cohabitational Rights Applications
- Variation of Existing Orders
- Applications under the Mental Health Act
WILLS, PROBATE & SUCCESSION PLANNING. This includes:
- Consultation Services related to Estate Planning and the Administration of Estates
- Preparation of Wills
- Representation of Testator, Executors and Administrators
- Applications in the Probate Registry of the High Court:
- Application for Grant of Letters of Administration
- Application for Grant of Probate
- Amendment of Existing Grants etc.
- Administration and Distribution of Estates
- Claims Against Estates and Contentious Probate Proceedings etc
CONVEYANCING, DEEDS & PROPERTY TRANSFERS. This includes:
- Consultations for prospective Vendors, Purchasers and persons needing advice on land related issues
- Representation of Vendors and Purchasers in Property Transactions.
- Preparation, Assessment, and Registration of all Types of Deeds:
- Agreement for Sale
- Deed of Conveyance
- Deed of Mortgage
- Deed of Gift
- Deed of Assignment
- Deed of Partition
- Deed of Rectification etc.
- Preparation, Assessment, and Registration of all types of Memoranda for Real Property Act Transactions:
- Memorandum of Transfer
- Memorandum of Gift
- Memorandum of Mortgage, etc.
- Applications for Vesting Orders (Adverse Possession)
- Full Range of Services in both Common Law and Real Property Act Conveyancing.
CONTRACTS, AGREEMENTS & CORRESPONDENCES: Services include:
- Consultations for persons wishing to have a contract drafted or wish to have a contract vetted prior to signing.
- Preparation of Contracts and Agreements including:
- Landlord and Tenant Agreements
- Lease Agreements
- Commercial Agreements
- Employment Contracts
- Family-related Agreements etc.
- Preparation of Pre-Action Protocol Letters
- Responding to Letters, Notices, Correspondences etc
BUSINESS & COMPANY REGISTRATION AND LICENCE APPLICATIONS & RENEWALS: Services include:
- Consultations for business owners or prospective business owners
- Business Registrations/Company Incorporations
- BIR Number Applications
- Post Incorporation Filings (including Annual Returns)
- Business Compliance
DRAFTING AND REGISTRATION OF LEGAL DOCUMENTS: including:
- Deed Polls and
- Powers of Attorney
how long have the attorneys at your firm been practicing?
Since 2011.
where is your office located?
We are located at No. 44 Eastern Main Road, St. Augustine, Trinidad. We are located obliquely opposite Starbucks, St. Augustine. To see our location on Google Maps CLICK HERE.
DO I NEED TO COME INTO YOUR OFFICE TO receive LEGAL ADVICE?
You needn't worry about physical meetings. Our practice is seamlessly automated, enabling us to conduct initial consultations and meetings virtually through platforms like Microsoft Teams or Zoom. Our office will furnish you with both the Intake Form link for completion and the virtual meeting link. You can engage our services and progress your case without the necessity of in-person meetings.
WHAT IS THE COST FOR An initial CONSULTATION?
The cost of our initial consultation is TTD$500 per hour. Consultations typically run between 45 - 60 minutes.
WHAT DOCUMENTS OR INFORMATION SHOULD I BRING TO THE INITIAL CONSULTATION?
Ensure you have a valid form of identification and any documents you possess that you believe are pertinent to the legal issue for which you require advice.
HOW ARE LEGAL FEES CALCULATED?
Legal fees are calculated based on the Scale of Fees established by the Legal Profession Act in Trinidad and Tobago, which establishes the minimum fees that our practice charges for different types of legal matters. The specific fees for a particular case are determined by several factors, including:
- Expertise and Experience: The level of expertise and experience needed to handle the case effectively.
- Complexity: The complexity of the legal matter, which can vary widely depending on the nature of the case.
- Skills Required: The specific skills and qualifications required to address the legal issues involved.
- Number of Attorneys: The number of attorneys from our practice who need to be involved in working on the case.
- Time Required: The amount of time necessary to prepare for the case and provide representation throughout its duration.
Are there any additional charges besides legal fees?
Yes, these are often referred to as "disbursements." Disbursements encompass the expenses incurred by the firm on behalf of the client, which will subsequently be billed to the client. These expenses may include:
- Court Filing Fees: These are fees paid to the court when initiating or responding to a legal action, such as filing a lawsuit or submitting court documents.
- Process Server Fees: When legal documents need to be served to parties involved in a case, process servers may be employed, and their fees are considered disbursements.
- Photocopying and Document Production Costs: Expenses related to copying and producing documents, including the cost of reproducing large volumes of paperwork.
- Courier and Delivery Charges: Costs for sending legal documents, evidence, or filings via courier or postal services.
- Title Searches: Costs for conducting searches on property titles, which may be relevant in real estate transactions or property disputes.
- Public Records and Document Retrieval: Charges for obtaining copies of public records or official documents from government agencies.
- Notary Public/Commissioner of Affidavit Fees: Charges for notarizing legal documents or affidavits.
WHAT ARE YOUR OFFICE HOURS?
Our office operates during the following hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Saturdays: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
DOES YOU OFFICE DO AFTER OFFICE HOURS CONSULTATIONS?
Certainly, upon request, our practice accommodates consultations outside regular business hours, including weekends. The rate for such consultations is charged at time and a half.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE AN URGENT LEGAL MATTER OUTSIDE OF REGULAR office HOURS?
You can call or WhatsApp our office's mobile phone at (868) 374-2905.
HOW DOES YOUR OFFICE KEEP ME UPDATED ABOUT MY MATTER?
Attendance notes are typically provided to clients within five (5) days following a court hearing or a virtual meeting. Additionally, our Legal Secretary ensures clients receive updates through various means, including email correspondence, phone calls and WhatsApp messages. We have recognized and deeply value the importance of maintaining consistent and timely communication with our clients regarding their specific legal matters.
IF I HAVE A QUESTION, HOW CAN I CONTACT YOUR OFFICE?
You can call us at (868) 236-6197 or you CLICK HERE to WhatsApp us on our office's mobile phone at (868) 374-2905.
WHAT IS ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGE?
Attorney-client privilege protects confidential communications between a client and their attorney, fostering trust for open discussions in legal matters and preventing disclosure in court or legal proceedings, with exceptions for certain activities.
what is the statute of limitations?
In Trinidad and Tobago, the Limitation of Certain Actions Act (Chap 7:09) delineates specific timeframes within which various types of claims can be pursued. These timeframes essentially signify that once a certain period has elapsed, individuals are no longer eligible to seek legal redress or relief pertaining to the particular issue. The prescribed limitation periods are as follows:
- Claims arising from contracts: 4 years
- Tort claims: 4 years
- Recovery of money stipulated in an Act: 4 years
- Damages for negligence, nuisance, breach of duty, and personal injuries: 4 years
- Enforcement of a judgment: 12 years
- Judicial review: 3 months
- Workmen's compensation claims: 1 year
i am considering getting a divorce, what documents and information do i need?
You need the:
- Original Marriage Certificate
- Birth Certificate(s) of any children
- Statement of arrangement for the child(ren)
- Consent Agreement (if any)
- Bank statements
- Joint account statements
- Deeds
- Mortgage documents
- Credit card statements
- Property appraisals
- List of property owned by each spouse prior to marriage
- List of property acquired after marriage
- Loan documents
- Spousal income
- Household expenditure
What Information and Documents Do I Need for a Personal Injury or Motor Vehicle Accident Claim?
You will need to complete a Claim Form and provide the following documentation:
- Photographs of the accident location
- Photographs depicting your injuries
- Photographs of property damage
- Any written reports from the accident scene or police involvement (e.g., police report)
- Accident reconstruction report
- Medical reports or reports from specialists
- Vehicle service history
- Records of past violations or safety concerns
- Insurance certificates for all parties involved (along with any correspondence from insurance companies)
- Repair estimates
- Receipts for all medical expenses and out-of-pocket costs (e.g., doctor visits, medical bills)
- Invoices for repairs
- Any documentation you have from witnesses, including witness or victim statements.
what documents do i need to apply for a grant of probate?
The original will and any codicils (additions to a will) and an original copy of the Death Certificate of the deceased.
will i have to go to court?
Depending on the nature of your case, there may be a need for you to appear in court. Presently, the majority of court proceedings are being conducted through virtual means. This affords you the flexibility of either visiting our office to appear in court, or we can furnish you with the virtual link, allowing you to participate from your location while we represent you by joining the virtual link from our office.
how long will the matter take?
The duration of a legal proceeding can vary significantly depending on the nature of the case. It's important for clients to understand that many factors affecting the timeline are beyond the firm's control. These factors include external institutions like the Court's schedule, the Registry, and the Inland Revenue Department. While our office strives to establish realistic deadlines to help clients plan effectively, we also recognize that circumstances may arise that either extend or expedite the completion of a case. Rest assured, if any such factors come into play, we will promptly inform our clients to keep them informed and prepared.
do i really need an attorney for my legal issue?
The necessity of an attorney for your legal matter hinges on its complexity, potential risks, and your familiarity with legal procedures. While legal representation is not mandatory in every case, attorneys bring invaluable legal knowledge, adeptness in negotiation, and the ability to navigate intricate legal processes, paperwork, and court appearances. They can help you assess risks, secure favorable settlements, and provide advocacy in court, ensuring your rights are safeguarded. Moreover, attorneys have access to a vast legal network and can offer peace of mind by professionally managing your case.
Deciding whether to enlist an attorney should be guided by the particulars of your situation and the potential consequences of handling it independently, often warranting an initial consultation to make an informed choice.
Deciding whether to enlist an attorney should be guided by the particulars of your situation and the potential consequences of handling it independently, often warranting an initial consultation to make an informed choice.
hOW DO I GET STARTED?
- Call our office at (868) 236-6197 OR CLICK HERE to WhatsApp our office mobile phone at (868) 374-2905 and provide your full name, number and email address.
- Let us know if you would like an in person or an online consultation.
- If you would like an online consultation, we would send you the relevant information for payment (through online bank transfer or wire transfer).
- Schedule a day and time for your consultation.
- Once the consultation is scheduled, you will receive a link to our Intake Form, which can be conveniently completed using a smartphone or computer.
- If you opt for an in-person consultation, you can pay for your consultation with cash, LINX, or credit card at the appointment. Please note that a 4% transaction fee applies to credit card payments.
- Consultations typically run between 30 to 45 minutes.