What to discuss at the first meeting
Identify whether the work concerns a purchase, sale, new lease, renewal or dispute. Intended use, guarantees and ongoing obligations should be discussed alongside the headline rent or price.
Clarify whether planning, tax, building-condition and finance advice require additional professionals.
Working with a firm in Mallee
Mildura and Swan Hill are the listed centres for the Mallee. Matters connected with the Murray or neighbouring states may involve more than one jurisdiction, so identify where the property, people and events are located.
For commercial property & leasing, ask which parts of the work the firm handles itself and whether it has relevant VIC experience. Let the lawyer know if a property, employer, other party or existing proceeding is outside Mallee. Your home address alone does not determine the applicable process.
How the engagement may progress
Provide the address, parties and current contract or notice. Explain whether anything has been signed and identify every agreed date.
Ask which terms, searches and ownership questions will be reviewed. Explain finance, proposed use and any linked transaction.
Agree who communicates with agents, lenders and the other side. Confirm how documents are approved and what happens if the matter is delayed or disputed.
Fees and the scope of work
Separate legal fees from searches, registration, taxes and third-party expenses. Complex ownership, negotiations or a dispute may fall outside an advertised conveyancing price.
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
Seek review before signing where possible. Ask about the actual dates in your documents; cooling-off and completion arrangements differ across states and transactions.
Questions to ask a commercial property & leasing adviser
- Which obligations continue after signing?