Step-by-step guide to working with us
Every engagement follows a structured workflow designed to keep you informed, minimise delays, and control costs.
Step 1 — Free initial consultation
Your journey begins with a complimentary 30-minute phone or video consultation. During this session one of our property lawyers listens to your situation, identifies the key legal issues, and explains how we can help. There is no obligation to proceed, and you will walk away with a clear understanding of your position regardless. We encourage you to bring any contracts, correspondence, or title documents you already have so we can give you the most accurate preliminary advice possible.
Step 2 — Engagement and costs agreement
If you choose to proceed, we prepare a formal costs agreement that outlines the scope of work, estimated fees, likely disbursements, and payment terms. This document complies with the Legal Profession Uniform Law and ensures you are never surprised by hidden charges. We also collect the information we need to run conflict checks and verify your identity under anti-money-laundering legislation. Most clients sign and return the agreement within 24 hours, and we begin work immediately.
Step 3 — Research and due diligence
Our team conducts thorough due diligence tailored to your matter. For conveyancing transactions this includes title searches, plan reviews, zoning checks, drainage diagrams, building and pest report analysis, and council inquiry certificates. For lease matters we review comparable market rents, existing lease terms, and any registered interests on the title. For disputes we gather evidence, obtain expert reports if needed, and map out the legal arguments available to you.
Step 4 — Strategy and advice
Once we have all the facts, we prepare a detailed advice letter or strategy memorandum. This document sets out our findings, identifies risks, and recommends a course of action. We present options rather than dictating a single path, because we recognise that legal decisions are intertwined with personal and financial goals. We schedule a call or meeting to walk you through the advice and answer any questions before moving forward.
Step 5 — Execution and negotiation
With your instructions confirmed, we execute the agreed strategy. This might involve drafting or amending contracts, negotiating terms with the other party, lodging documents with the Land Titles Office, or filing an application with a tribunal. Throughout this phase we keep you updated via email and phone at least once a week, and more frequently when developments occur. You will never be left wondering what is happening with your matter.
Step 6 — Settlement or resolution
The final stage varies depending on the type of matter. For property purchases and sales, we coordinate settlement with the other party's solicitor, the bank, and the settlement agent to ensure funds and documents are exchanged simultaneously. For disputes, we finalise the terms of any agreement, obtain consent orders if necessary, and ensure compliance. We provide you with a complete file of all documents for your records and remain available for any follow-up questions.
Frequently asked questions about our process
We hear these questions regularly. If yours is not listed, please reach out — we are happy to explain anything in more detail.
In the ACT, a standard residential conveyance from exchange of contracts to settlement typically takes between 30 and 90 days, depending on the terms agreed between buyer and seller. We work to the settlement date in your contract and will alert you immediately if any issue threatens to cause a delay. Off-the-plan purchases may have longer timeframes tied to construction milestones.
Yes. You have the right to change legal representation at any stage. If you are unhappy with your current solicitor, we can step in and request a handover of your file. There may be a small administrative fee from your previous firm, but we will manage the transition smoothly so your matter stays on track.
While our office is based in the Australian Capital Territory, we regularly assist clients with property transactions in New South Wales and can coordinate with local agents in other states. For interstate matters we ensure compliance with the relevant jurisdiction's legislation and engage local counsel where required.
Bringing any existing contracts, correspondence, title documents, survey plans, valuation reports, or council notices will help us give you the most accurate advice during the initial consultation. If you do not have these documents readily available, that is perfectly fine — we can obtain them on your behalf once engaged.
We provide regular updates via email and phone. Most clients receive at least one update per week, and we contact you immediately whenever a significant development occurs. You are also welcome to call or email us at any time with questions — we aim to respond within one business day.
Start with a free consultation
Our structured process ensures nothing is left to chance. Get in touch today and let us guide you through your property matter with confidence.
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