Independent legal advice is often required before signing a guarantee, mortgage or loan.
Our independent legal advice lawyers review documents in detail, explain the terms in plain English and confirm your understanding in writing.
We act solely for you, not the other party, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Independent legal advice is where you receive advice from a lawyer who has no connection with the lender or the other party to the agreement. Their role is to review the contract, explain the terms in plain language and make sure you understand the risks and obligations before signing.
In many cases, the lawyer will also sign a certificate confirming that advice was given. This process protects the lender from claims of undue influence, but more importantly, it protects you from entering a binding agreement without knowing exactly what you are agreeing to.
You are most commonly required to obtain independent legal advice when signing guarantees, mortgages, loan agreements or separation and property settlement documents.
Lenders and counterparties want the assurance that you cannot later claim you did not understand the risks.
Even where it is not strictly required, obtaining independent advice is wise whenever you are signing a document with significant financial or personal consequences.
A short appointment can prevent serious issues down the track.
Independent legal advice is important because once you sign, you are bound.
Many agreements, particularly guarantees and indemnities, are drafted to favour the other party. Without advice, you may not realise you are exposing your home, business or savings to significant risk.
Independent advice ensures you know the effect of signing, highlights clauses that create long-term obligations and gives you the chance to negotiate changes where possible. It provides peace of mind that your decision is informed and considered.
The process is straightforward.
We review the document, identify obligations and risks, and sit down with you to explain them in plain English. We also answer your questions, confirm your understanding, and sign any required certificate of independent legal advice.
The entire appointment often takes less than an hour, but it provides lasting protection.
We also ensure you receive a written record of the advice for your own reference.
In many cases, yes.
Lenders and counterparties often require a signed certificate confirming that you obtained independent advice. This protects them from claims later, but it also provides you with evidence that you were properly advised.
We prepare and sign these certificates once we are satisfied that you understand the agreement. This simple step gives you a safeguard and ensures the agreement cannot later be set aside for lack of advice.
Independent legal advice protects you from signing documents you don’t fully understand or that unfairly expose your assets. It gives you clarity, safeguards your interests, and ensures your decision is informed and enforceable.
We explain contracts in plain English so you fully understand your rights, obligations, and risks before signing.
We identify unfair clauses or hidden risks and help you avoid unnecessary personal or financial exposure.
We highlight long-term obligations and provide practical strategies to limit or manage potential liabilities.
With independent advice and a signed certificate, you can proceed with confidence knowing your decision is informed and documented.
We’re here to protect your interests
Whether you have been asked to sign a guarantee, mortgage or loan, our independent legal advice lawyers ensure you understand the terms and protect your position before you commit.
When personal liability is on the line, you need advice that is fast, independent and practical.
We know time is often critical. We provide same-day appointments and certificates of independent legal advice where required.
We avoid jargon and explain complex legal terms in a way that makes sense, so you can be confident in your decision.
We act only for you, not the lender or counterparty, ensuring your interests are protected at every step.
We go beyond just signing a certificate. We give you clear strategies for managing risk and, if needed, negotiating fairer terms.
