Our Services

Choosing a firm or individual to represent you in any legal matter, can be challenging for client. A wealth of experience and knowledge is what we bring to the table when representing and assisting you in any legal matter. Our specialities span across different areas, including property and conveyancing law, administration of estates and trusts, notarial services and commercial law.

Our experienced attorneys concentrate exclusively on formulating and implementing creative and proactive strategies for our clients.

Legal Advice and Certificates

Reverse Mortgage Advice

Reverse mortgage arrangements can be useful for some retirees, but they also carry important legal and financial consequences. We review reverse mortgage documents, explain the key risks and obligations in plain English, and help clients understand how the loan may affect their property and future options.

We assist with:

  • reviewing reverse mortgage documents
  • explaining lender terms and borrower obligations
  • identifying practical risks and long-term consequences
  • providing independent legal advice before signing

Retirement Village Advice

Moving into a retirement village is a significant personal and financial decision. We help clients understand residence contracts and related documents so they can proceed with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.

Our advice includes:

  • reviewing retirement village contracts
  • explaining rights, responsibilities and ongoing costs
  • identifying unusual or unfavourable terms
  • providing clear, practical advice before commitment

Franchise Agreement Advice

Entering a franchise should begin with a careful review of the legal documents and the commercial structure of the deal. We provide practical advice on franchise-related agreements and help clients understand the obligations, risks and key terms before they commit.

We can help with:

  • reviewing franchise and licensing arrangements
  • explaining key contractual obligations
  • identifying risk areas and restrictive clauses
  • advising on structure and documentation

Mortgage Guarantee Advice

Giving a guarantee for someone else’s loan is a serious legal commitment. We provide independent advice to guarantors and explain the scope of liability, the risks involved, and the practical consequences if the borrower defaults. We also assist with solicitor certificates required by lenders.

Our services include:

  • independent guarantee advice
  • explanation of guarantee documents in plain language
  • solicitor certificates for lenders
  • advice on the risks to personal assets and borrowing capacity

Waiver of Cooling-Off Rights

In South Australia, waiving cooling-off rights in a property transaction can make an offer immediately binding. Before signing, buyers should fully understand the consequences. We advise on cooling-off waivers and provide the required independent legal certification where appropriate.

We assist with:

  • urgent advice before signing a waiver
  • explanation of the legal effect of waiving cooling-off rights
  • certification requirements for Form 3
  • practical guidance in time-sensitive property transactions

Commercial Law Advice

Business Structures

Choosing the right legal structure is one of the most important early decisions for a business or investment. We advise on business structures with a focus on tax, asset protection, flexibility and long-term commercial outcomes.

We advise on structures including:

  • sole traders
  • companies
  • partnerships
  • joint ventures
  • discretionary trusts
  • unit trusts
  • superannuation-related structures

We work with clients to select a structure that suits their business goals, ownership needs and risk profile.

Contracts and Agreements

Good contracts should be clear, practical and commercially sensible. We draft, review and advise on a wide range of business and personal agreements, helping clients understand the key terms and make informed decisions.

We assist with documents such as:

  • shareholder, partnership and unitholder agreements
  • trust deeds
  • contractor and consultancy agreements
  • business sale and purchase agreements
  • employment agreements
  • loan, security and guarantee documents
  • confidentiality deeds
  • commercial leases and related agreements

Our approach is straightforward: identify the important issues, explain the risks, and keep the advice commercially relevant.

Commercial Leases

Whether acting for landlords or tenants, we provide practical advice on commercial leasing arrangements. We assist with drafting, negotiation, lease review and dispute resolution across a range of premises and leasing structures.

We can assist with:

  • new leases and agreements for lease
  • lease reviews and negotiations
  • fit-out, make-good and end-of-term obligations
  • rent review provisions
  • assignments, subleases and variations
  • leasing disputes and enforcement issues

We also advise on issues arising under the Retail and Commercial Leases Act 1995 (SA).

NOTARIAL SERVICES

We provide notarial services for documents intended for use overseas. Notarisation helps confirm that a document is authentic and has been properly witnessed or certified for international use.

Our notarial services include assistance with:

  • witnessing and certifying documents for overseas use
  • guidance on identification requirements
  • documents requiring apostille or legalisation
  • practical steps for DFAT processing in Australia

We aim to make the process clear and efficient, particularly where overseas authorities have strict formal requirements.

What Are Notary Services?

Notary services involve the certification of documents and signatures by a notary public. A notary public is a legally authorized individual who verifies the identity of signatories, ensures their understanding of the document’s content, and witnesses the signing process. The primary objective is to prevent fraud and ensure the integrity of legal documents.

Common Notary Services Offered by Meyer Van der Walt.

Law firms often provide a comprehensive range of notary services, including:

  1. Document Authentication: Notaries verify the authenticity of various legal documents, such as contracts, affidavits, and deeds.
  2. Signature Witnessing: A notary public witnesses the signing of documents to confirm that the signatures are genuine and made willingly.
  3. Oaths and Affirmations: Law firms can administer oaths and affirmations, which are legally binding promises often required for affidavits and sworn statements.
  4. Apostille Services: For documents intended for use in foreign countries, notaries provide apostille services to certify their validity under international law.
  5. Certifying Copies: Notaries can certify that copies of original documents, such as passports or academic certificates, are true and accurate reproductions.
  6. Real Estate Transactions: Notary services are often required during real estate transactions to authenticate deeds, mortgages, and other related documents.

Why Choose Meyer Van der Walt for Notary Services?

While standalone notary public services are available, opting for a law firm offers distinct advantages:

  • Expertise: Lawyers have in-depth legal knowledge, ensuring that all notarized documents comply with relevant laws and regulations.
  • Convenience: Many law firms provide a range of legal services, allowing clients to address multiple needs in one place.
  • Accuracy: Law firms prioritize accuracy and attention to detail, minimizing the risk of errors that could invalidate a document.
  • Confidentiality: Legal professionals are bound by strict confidentiality standards, providing added peace of mind for sensitive matters.

Benefits of Notary Services

  • Prevents Fraud: Notarization ensures that documents are signed by the rightful parties without coercion or misrepresentation.
  • Legal Validity: Many institutions, such as banks and government agencies, require notarized documents to be considered valid.
  • International Recognition: Apostille and notarization services facilitate the acceptance of documents across borders.

How to Access Notary Services at Meyer Van der Walt.

Accessing notary services at a law firm is straightforward. Here’s what you can do:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact the law firm to book a convenient time for notarization.
  2. Bring Necessary Documents: Ensure you have all required documents, including valid identification.
  3. Understand the Fees: Notary services may vary in cost depending on the complexity and number of documents.

Conclusion

Notary services provided by law firms are indispensable for authenticating legal documents and preventing fraud. By choosing a law firm, you gain access to experienced professionals who prioritize accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with legal standards. Whether you’re an individual or a business, these services provide the assurance you need for your most critical transactions.

Looking for reliable notary services? Contact our law firm today to schedule an appointment and ensure your documents meet all legal requirements.

Wills and Estate Planning

Estate planning is about more than simply preparing a Will. We help clients put in place a practical plan to protect assets, provide for loved ones, and ensure the right people can make decisions if capacity is lost.

Our estate planning services include:

  • Wills
  • testamentary trust planning
  • enduring powers of attorney
  • advance care directives
  • trust-related estate planning advice
  • broader asset protection and succession planning

We consider the wider picture, including asset ownership, superannuation, family trusts, taxation issues and family circumstances, so that the overall plan works together effectively.

South African Specific Legal Advice and Assistance

We also assist clients in Australia who need legal support connected with South African property, estate and personal legal matters. This service is designed for clients managing cross-border issues and seeking practical assistance from Australia.

Areas of assistance include:

  • South African wills and estate planning issues
  • estate administration involving South African assets
  • matrimonial property questions
  • notarial and document requirements
  • buying and selling property
  • commercial and structuring matters

We understand the practical difficulties that can arise when dealing with legal affairs across two countries and provide support with clarity and care.