Define: Conduct Money

Conduct money refers to the amount of money that a court may order a party to pay to cover the expenses of attending court proceedings, such as travel and accommodation costs.

Conduct money is typically awarded when a party is required to attend court proceedings that are held at a significant distance from their usual place of residence.

The party who is required to attend court proceedings is responsible for paying conduct money. However, in some cases, the court may order the opposing party to contribute towards these expenses.

The amount of conduct money is determined by the court, taking into consideration factors such as the distance to be travelled, the duration of the proceedings, and the reasonable expenses that may be incurred.

Conduct money can generally be claimed for attending any court proceedings that require physical presence, such as hearings, trials, or mediations. However, it may not be applicable for certain types of proceedings, such as teleconferences or video hearings.

Conduct money is typically not awarded for attending meetings with lawyers or for general preparation for court proceedings. It is primarily intended to cover the expenses incurred while physically attending court.

The rules regarding conduct money may vary in small claims court. In some jurisdictions, conduct money may not be awarded in small claims cases, while in others, it may be available but subject to certain limitations.

Yes, even if a party is represented by a lawyer, they may still be entitled to claim conduct money for their own attendance at court proceedings. However, the lawyer’s expenses are typically not covered by conduct money.

To claim conduct money, a party must usually submit a request to the court, providing details of the anticipated expenses and supporting documentation, such as travel receipts or accommodation bookings. The court will then assess the claim and make a determination on the amount to be awarded.