Wills and planning services

Planning ahead starts with understanding which decisions each document covers. These services help you consider your wishes, the people you trust and the arrangements that may be needed during your lifetime and after death.

Estate services after a death

The starting point differs depending on whether you are administering an estate or have concerns about a will or provision made for you. Tell us your relationship to the deceased, your role and any relevant dates when you enquire.

Property, retirement and finance services

Documents concerning your home can affect both immediate decisions and longer-term plans. Obtain advice before signing where possible, and tell PA Law about any settlement date, lender requirement or proposed move.

Business advice and civil dispute services

Whether you are considering a new agreement or dealing with a disagreement, explain your objectives and provide the relevant documents. Advice before a commitment and advice after a dispute has arisen serve different purposes.

Access legal services in 3 practical steps

1. Explain your matter and timing

Give a short outline of what has happened, who is involved and the outcome you are seeking. Tell us whether you are asking for yourself, a business or an estate. Include any signing, settlement, response or hearing date, even if you are unsure whether it is legally significant.

A clear initial summary helps identify the appropriate services. You do not need to send a lengthy account or every document with the first enquiry. Ask what information is needed and how it should be provided.

2. Confirm the scope, documents and costs

Discuss whether PA Law can assist, the proposed appointment format and the work you want undertaken. Ask about the scope and costs before proceeding, including whether the enquiry concerns advice only, drafting, negotiation or continuing assistance.

Provide the requested documents and identify any missing information. If another person or organisation is involved, give their correct name. Let us know if a document has already been signed or if another adviser has previously assisted with the matter.

3. Understand the advice and decide what to do

Use the appointment to ask questions about the legal issues, your options and the next practical steps. Check which actions you need to take, who will communicate with other parties and what dates need attention.

If the work changes, clarify the revised scope and costs. Legal services may need to be coordinated with an accountant, financial adviser, lender or other professional, depending on your matter. The arrangements should be discussed rather than assumed.

Prepare for your first appointment

A little preparation can make the discussion more useful. Focus on the information relevant to your matter rather than trying to assemble every record you hold.

• A short timeline: key events and dates, especially any deadline or scheduled transaction.
• Relevant documents: current wills, contracts, disclosure documents, loan packs, letters or court papers, as applicable.
• People and organisations: correct names, your relationship to them and your role in the matter.
• Your objectives: what you want to achieve, what concerns you and any options you are considering.
• Questions about the work: the advice required, likely next steps, costs and communication arrangements.

Keep signed originals secure and provide copies as requested. Explain if you have only part of a document or are uncertain which version is current. Do not send passwords or account access details. Ask about a suitable method for providing sensitive records.

If you need an interpreter, accessible documents, extra time or another adjustment, raise this when arranging the appointment. If someone is helping you enquire, identify who needs the legal advice and discuss how that person will give instructions.

Costs and appointments for legal services

There is no single price that applies to every matter. The documents, complexity, scope and work required affect the cost. Contact PA Law with a summary so the proposed services and costs can be discussed.

Ask what is included in the quote or costs arrangement, how GST and additional expenses are treated, and whether other fees may arise. For a dispute, a document review and ongoing court work involve different tasks. For a transaction, clarify which documents and stages are included.

Appointments are by arrangement, including telephone and Microsoft Teams consultations where appropriate. The firm is based in Evanston South and assists clients in Gawler, Adelaide and across South Australia. Confirm the appointment format and any in-person document or signing requirements when booking.

Useful South Australian information

These official resources offer background information alongside the advice relevant to your own circumstances:

• SA.GOV.AU: making a will — an introduction to planning for your estate.
• South Australian Courts: before making a claim — information about preliminary steps in civil matters.
• Small Business Commission SA: retail and commercial leasing guide — background for business premises arrangements.
• ASIC Moneysmart: reverse mortgages and home equity release — considerations when exploring equity release.

Different documents, transactions and disputes have different requirements. A general guide cannot determine the advice, deadlines or process applicable to your matter.