What to discuss at the first meeting
Provide the property address, proposed use and any council or agency decision. Planning advice should identify the actual application, approval or enforcement issue rather than assume all land can be used the same way.
Ask about applicable objection or review dates before relying on informal discussions.
Working with a firm in New England & North West
For advice around Armidale, Tamworth, Moree and Gunnedah, distinguish personal matters from business or farm matters at the first enquiry. Land, a trading business and a family estate may involve different owners and documents.
For planning & environment, ask which parts of the work the firm handles itself and whether it has relevant NSW experience. Let the lawyer know if a property, employer, other party or existing proceeding is outside New England & North West. Your home address alone does not determine the applicable process.
How the engagement may progress
- 01
Provide the address, parties and current contract or notice. Explain whether anything has been signed and identify every agreed date.
- 02
Ask which terms, searches and ownership questions will be reviewed. Explain finance, proposed use and any linked transaction.
- 03
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 planning & environment adviser
