Your options when you can’t attend a Solicitor’s office

I need advice, but I can’t get to my solicitor’s office

The traditional method of coming to a solicitor’s office to discuss your queries regarding a legal situation you may be facing can be defeating when you don’t think you can make it past the first hurdle of getting to the solicitor’s office.

You may have mobility issues, transportation issues or health issues which prevent you from doing so.

Can the solicitor come to me?

Many solicitors offer the option of their attendance at your location to discuss your matter with you. However, as solicitors will tend to charge for their travel time to and from where you are the cost of this may be prohibitive.

What else is there then?

Depending upon the complexity of your matter, the solicitor may be able to discuss your matter with you and obtain your instructions over the phone or via a video-conference.

But what if I need to sign documents?

If you need to execute any documents that have witnessing requirements, there are now processes in place which allow your solicitor to send a copy of your documents to you for you to sign. The solicitor will also retain an identical copy of the documents for them to sign, together these documents are called ‘counterparts’. The actual signing of the counterparts will occur via a video-conference between you and the solicitor so that the solicitor may witness you sign your counterpart.

This sounds too complicated, I don’t know anything about video-conferences

If you need assistance with the technical aspects of meeting with your solicitor digitally, you can always advise your solicitor of a third person whom you authorise them to contact. This third person can liaise with the solicitor about the logistics of your matter, organising your appointments and setting you up with a phone, laptop or computer for your video-conference.

This third person can be a family member, close friend, or if you are residing in a nursing home or respite care it can be one of the staff there, etc.

How do I know what solicitor’s or firms offer the above processes?

Most solicitors can advise you over the phone during your initial phone call what processes they offer.

Southern Waters Legal specialises in making legal processes easy. As such, we offer a great deal of flexibility when it comes to working with our clients.

If you can’t come to us, we will come to you, if you are cost conscious, we can organise to liaise with you over the phone and/or via video-conference.

When it comes time to execute any documents, we provide you with clear and simple step by step instructions. Southern Waters Legal aims to provide legal services in a way that is tailored to the specific needs of each and every client.

If you would like to discuss the options available to you to meet with a Solicitor please contact our team on 9523 5535.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is provided as general information only. It is not intended to be legal advice and it should not be used or relied on as legal or professional advice.