Elements and Performance Criteria
- Establish client needs
- Identify and verify the client identity according to practice policies and procedures
- Identify and clarify client needs and expectations according to practice policies and procedures
- Determine and discuss optional courses of action with client
- Check information and documentation in relation to the transaction for accuracy and relevance
- Obtain mutual agreement regarding responsibilities, obligations and expectations of all parties to the transaction
- Record and document client’s needs and responsibilities
- Identify any conflict of interest
- Identify parties, properties and other interests
- Identify the roles of various parties involved in the conveyancing transaction
- Analyse estates and interests in land according to relevant transaction
- Analyse relevant searches, Certificates of Title and other relevant documents and confirm facts pertaining to the transaction
- Communicate to the client the title and contract details and respective consequences of the conveyancing transaction
- Determine terms of engagement
- Document terms of engagement which comply with legislative, regulatory and practice requirements and articulate to client clearly and promptly
- Establish and record client’s agreement with terms
- Obtain relevant authorities from client and other relevant parties
- Verify identity of client according to firm policies and procedures
- Check estimates of fees, disbursements and time for accuracy and completeness and provide to client
- Determine contingency strategies
- Initiate the transaction
- Select a course of action which meets the client’s needs according to legislative requirements and practice policy and procedures
- Advise client of all actions to be implemented to meet their agreed needs and expectations
- Confirm and record instructions from client to proceed or not to proceed
- Make referrals to other professionals or third parties, where required
- Formally open, organise and document all relevant instructions, information, facts and evidence in client file