What to discuss at the first meeting
Clarify whether you want advice before mediation, a lawyer to attend, or help recording an agreement afterwards. A mediator’s role and your own legal adviser’s role are different.
Ask what can be settled in the session and what further documentation is needed to give the outcome its intended effect.
Working with a firm in Limestone Coast
Mount Gambier is the listed centre for the Limestone Coast. If a transaction, employment matter or family asset also involves Victoria, explain that connection when asking a lawyer to assess the work.
For mediation & dispute resolution, ask which parts of the work the firm handles itself and whether it has relevant SA experience. Let the lawyer know if a property, employer, other party or existing proceeding is outside Limestone Coast. Your home address alone does not determine the applicable process.
How the engagement may progress
- 01
Explain the relationship history, current arrangements and outcome you want. Identify immediate concerns and provide every existing order or agreement.
- 02
Discuss negotiation and family dispute resolution. Parenting applications generally involve prior dispute resolution unless an exception applies; ask the lawyer to assess the appropriate process.
- 03
Ask how an agreement would be documented and implemented. Clarify who handles related transfers, finance and estate-planning work.
Fees and the scope of work
Ask for separate estimates for advice, negotiation, document preparation and court work. A fixed divorce-application fee does not necessarily cover parenting or financial disputes.
Ask for a written scope identifying the work you are authorising, the person responsible and when costs will be reviewed. If you only want advice on one step, say so before the firm begins wider work.
Dates to raise at first contact
Highlight court dates, proposed travel or relocation and any planned property sale. Ask which time limits apply to your particular issues rather than assuming there is one deadline for everything.
