What to discuss at the first meeting
Explain whether you are considering entry, reviewing ongoing charges, leaving or administering a resident’s estate. Ask for an explanation of the financial and practical consequences of the actual contract.
Clarify which matters need independent financial advice in addition to the legal review.
Working with a firm in South Coast
The South Coast directory area stretches across several separate towns, from Nowra and Ulladulla to Bega and Eden. An office somewhere in the region may still be a substantial journey from home.
For retirement villages & aged care contracts, 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 South Coast. 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 retirement villages & aged care contracts adviser
- What ongoing and exit charges need explanation?