What We Do

  • BUYING ANDE SELLING

    Ardent Lawyers uses tech and efficient processes for fast, smooth, cost-effective conveyancing. First-home buyers can read our guide. As a PEXA member, we handle secure, faster online transactions rather than paper conveyancing.

    As a PEXA member, conveyancing is faster. Ardent Lawyers charges a fixed $2,200 (incl. GST) for local conveyancing (houses/land; units may cost more). This covers transaction disbursements but excludes stamp duty, PEXA fees, mortgage discharge fees, surveys, and pest/building inspections.

    For e-conveyancing info or whether to use a lawyer vs conveyancer, see our articles.

    To retain us, complete the purchaser or seller form and return by email, fax, or post.

    We also:

    • Advise on contracts

    • Advise on mortgages/guarantees

    • Act as agent in local conveyancing

    Call (02) 4444 6808 for quotes or fees for units/strata/community title properties.

    LEASING

    A commercial (retail) lease sets out the rights and obligations of the lessor (owner) and lessee (tenant).

    We can:

    • Prepare a lease for your commercial property

    • Advise if you’re leasing commercial property

    Typical lease terms:

    • Lease period and renewal options

    • Rent, outgoings and rent review

    • Maintenance, repairs and structural responsibility

    • Tenant works and fit-out rights

    • Landlord access

    • Breach procedures and termination

    • Subleasing restrictions

    • Make-good obligations

    • Insurance, indemnity and liability

    • Rights on landlord renovation/redevelopment

    • Bank guarantees and security deposits

    • Dispute resolution

    For lease preparation or review, call Ardent Lawyers on (02) 4444 6808. Fixed-fee services available.

  • Orders by Consent - Property and/or Children

    Amicable agreements on children’s welfare and asset division are preferred and can be formalised by consent orders. Agreed orders save time, stress and money and avoid court attendance. We can submit your agreement for court approval on a fixed-fee basis.

    Disputes about Property and/or Children

    We often see relationship breakdowns lead to property or child disputes. Lawyers can be costly and court cases are lengthy, stressful, and expensive. Ardent Lawyers aims for fair, negotiated resolutions to avoid court and, when possible, offers fixed-fee services.

    Divorce

    A divorce can be filed after 12 months’ separation. If children under 18 are involved, suitable care arrangements must be in place before a divorce order is granted.

    Ardent Lawyers can prepare and file your application for a fixed fee and, if needed, attend the hearing on your behalf. Our fee: $990 incl. GST plus a $1,060 registration fee (concession card holders may be exempt).

    Binding Financial Agreements

    Binding financial agreements (pre-nuptial, post-nuptial or cohabitation agreements) set property division if a couple separates. They’re enforceable if properly drafted and can save time and money. Contact us for advice or a fixed-fee quote.

  • Wills

    Whether you need a complex will with a trust, a simple will, or another estate document, we can help. Read our article "You may have a Will, but do you need a Power of Attorney, Enduring Guardianship or Advanced Care Directive in place?" to see if you need more than a will.

    Download Instruction Form

    Contact us on (02) 4444 6808 to obtain a fixed fee for all Wills, Powers of Attorney, Enduring Guardianship and Advance Medical Directive documents.

    Probate / Letters of Administration

    Take the stress out of an already difficult time by entrusting us with the Probate /Letters process for a deceased estate.

    If the deceased owned assets in NSW, a grant of probate from the NSW Supreme Court is required to administer the estate if there is a will. If there is no will or no available executor, letters of administration from the NSW Supreme Court are required. After our initial phone or in‑person contact, we can estimate the legal fees the estate may incur. For details on applying for probate or letters of administration, see the NSW Supreme Court guidance.

  • What is mediation? A mediator is a neutral, trained conflict‑resolver who helps parties negotiate a mutually acceptable outcome. Facilitative mediators ask questions, rephrase views and feelings, uncover underlying interests, and help explore options without giving advice, recommendations, or predicting court outcomes. The mediator manages the process; the parties control the outcome.

    Mediation can resolve disputes with partners, colleagues, family, neighbours, etc. It is usually quicker, confidential, informal, and can save significant costs compared with court. It lets parties have a say in the result.

    Our principal lawyer, Mary‑Jean Lewis, is now a qualified mediator offering services in the Shoalhaven.

    Schedule of Fees

    Note: Fees are generally shared equally between the parties.

    Send invitations to attend Mediation Free

    Intake session (30 mins per party) – on telephone, by video or in person Free

    Two (2) hour Mediation $1,100

    Four (4) hour Mediation $2,200

    Full day Mediation $3,300

  • Commercial Law

    If you need advice on a sensitive or urgent commercial matter, we can help.

    We handle urgent commercial matters, including:

    • Debt recovery

    • Buying/selling businesses

    • Business disputes

    • NCAT representation

    • Defending claims for unpaid fees or defective work

    • Business start-up advice

    • Contract/agreement review

    • Copyright/IP registration or defence

    Call (02) 4444 6808 for hourly rates and a quote.

    Leases

    A commercial (retail) lease sets out the rights and duties of the lessor (owner) and lessee (tenant).

    We can:

    • Prepare a commercial lease

    • Advise on leasing a commercial property

    Common lease terms:

    • Lease term and renewal options

    • Rent, outgoings and rent review

    • Maintenance, repairs and structural responsibility

    • Tenant fit-out and alterations

    • Landlord access rights

    • Breach remedies and termination grounds

    • Subletting restrictions

    • End-of-lease make-good obligations

    • Insurance, indemnity and liability

    • Rights on landlord renovation or redevelopment

    • Bank guarantees and security deposits

    • Dispute resolution

    For lease preparation or review, call our firm on (02) 4444 6808. Fixed-fee service available.

  • Advocacy in relation to criminal matters in the Local Court including DUI, Licence suspensions and other summary offences. Additionally can serve as agent for a variety of court matters.

    The Local Court aims to balance various sentencing objectives being primarily rehabilitation and deterrence. Our team will help you navigate the complexities of the court system whilst also giving you clear information related to expected sentencing outcomes.