Northern Territory Numbered Acts Northern Territory Numbered Acts(1) A client who is given a bill may refer a costs dispute about the bill to the Statutory Supervisor for mediation if the amount in dispute is less than $10 000.
(2) A Registrar may refer a costs dispute about a bill to the Supervisor for mediation if the amount in dispute is less than $10 000.
(3) A Registrar may, by written notice, require the client and the Australian legal practitioner concerned to enter into a process of mediation if the amount in dispute is less than $5 000.
(4) A costs dispute about a bill may be referred under this section at any time before an application for an assessment of the whole or part of a bill is accepted by a Registrar.
(5) Mediation is not limited to formal mediation procedures and extends to encompass preliminary assistance in dispute resolution, including the giving of informal advice designed to ensure:
(a) the parties are fully aware of their rights and obligations; and
(b) there is full and open communication between the parties concerning the dispute.