Conveyancer vs Solicitor – What’s the Difference?

When it comes to legal matters in Australia, one of the most important questions to ask is whether you should use a conveyancer or solicitor. While they might both be able to provide advice on different legal matters, there are some differences between the two that could help you decide which option is the best for your specific needs. So, what’s the difference between a conveyancer and solicitor in Australia?

First, it’s important to note that both conveyancers and solicitors are legally trained professionals who are qualified to provide legal advice. However, the difference between a conveyancer and solicitor is that a conveyancer mainly specializes in property law while a solicitor can advise on a range of different areas, including criminal matters, family disputes, and other areas of law.

Property conveyancers are responsible for the legal work associated with real estate transactions, such as property transfers, contract preparation, stamp duty payment calculations, and providing advice to clients on all aspects of a sale or purchase transaction. They act as a middleman between buyer and seller to ensure that all parties involved in the transaction have an understanding of the law and are in agreement with the final terms of the sale or purchase.

On the other hand, a solicitor is someone who has specialized training and experience in a range of legal areas, such as family law, criminal law, taxation law, intellectual property, corporate transactions and much more. A solicitor can also provide advice on certain aspects of property law such as mortgages and leases.

In short, the difference between a conveyancer and solicitor comes down to specialization. While both can provide advice on certain legal matters, a conveyancer is mainly focused on property transactions while a solicitor has broader experience in multiple areas of law. When deciding which option is right for you, it’s important to consider your legal needs and what type of advice you need. That way, you can make sure that the professional you choose is best suited to handle your specific situation.

Searching for a Legal Professional

When looking for a conveyancer or solicitor in Australia, it’s important to do your research. Make sure that the professional has experience with the type of legal matter you are dealing with and that they are properly accredited. A good place to start is by searching online for reputable conveyancers or solicitors in your local area. You can also read customer reviews and get referrals from friends or family who have used the services of a legal professional before.

These days, we have the wonderful internet, so be sure to look at reviews and contact former clients before making a decision. That way, you can get a sense of how well that particular professional has done in the past and whether they are the right fit for your needs.

As well as reviews, don’t be afraid to talk to multiple conveyancers and solicitors to get a better idea of who would be best for your legal matter. Many professionals also offer free consultations, so it’s worth taking advantage of these opportunities to get a good sense of how they work and whether they could provide the advice and assistance you need on your legal issue.

Finally, when you have decided on a professional, make sure to read all the paperwork and understand the terms of the agreement before you sign anything. This will ensure that you are entering into a legally binding contract with your chosen legal professional, which should help ensure that all parties involved in the transaction are protected.

Now that you know more about the differences between a conveyancer and a solicitor, make sure you contact the professional you need!