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Advice on Retirement Village Contracts

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For many Victorians, moving into a retirement village is a big step and a new chapter in your life. However, what is often unknown is the legal complexity behind buying or selling into a retirement village.

Advice on Retirement Village Contracts

At Wollerman Shacklock Lawyers, we regularly advise clients who are surprised to learn that buying into a retirement village is not the same as purchasing a traditional home. Nor is the sale process. Without proper legal advice, you may be exposing yourself to significant financial and legal risks.

Retirement Village Contracts Are Not Straightforward

Unlike a standard property purchase, buying into a retirement village can involve a combination of legal agreements. Depending on the structure, you may not actually be purchasing a property title that you own and control.

Every retirement village will be different, and the various options carry different legal rights and obligations. Understanding exactly what you are signing is critical and not always clear from the documentation provided.

The Fine Print Can Have Long-Term Financial Impacts

Retirement village contracts often include detailed provisions relating to:

  • Ongoing maintenance and service fees;
  • Use of communal facilities;
  • Responsibilities for repairs and upkeep;
  • Conditions and exits fees for selling or leaving the village.

Why Legal Advice Matters

By seeking legal advice before you sign any contract or agreement, you can ensure that you:

  • Fully understand your contractual obligations;
  • Understand what exactly it is that you are buying;
  • Identify hidden costs and risks that you may not foresee;
  • Ensure you are aware of your rights;
  • Make a confident and informed decision

At Wollerman Shacklock Lawyers, we take the time to explain these agreements in simple terms, so you can move forward with certainty.

With Trish, one of very few Accredited Property Law Specialists in Victoria providing you with the advice, it means that you can be sure you are given advice on the most crucial aspects of your purchase so that you know exactly what it is you are buying, with no hidden surprises.

Our experienced team will review your contract, explain your options, and help you avoid costly mistakes. If you need assistance, contact our friendly team today.

Property Law Services

From contract review to settlement, our Accredited Property Law Specialist provides expert guidance across all aspects of property transactions — giving you confidence at every stage.

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5.0 Star Google Reviews

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I cannot recommend this law firm highly enough. From my very first consultation, the team demonstrated exceptional professionalism, expertise, and genuine care for my situation. They took the time to explain every step of the legal process in clear and understandable terms, ensuring I felt informed and confident throughout.

What truly sets this firm apart is their dedication to achieving the best possible outcome for their clients. Their attention to detail, responsiveness, and commitment to excellence were evident in every interaction. Emails and phone calls were returned promptly, and I always felt that my matter was being handled with the utmost priority and care.

If you are looking for a law firm that combines outstanding legal expertise with exceptional client service, I would not hesitate to recommend them. They are truly a credit to the legal profession.

Lynne Wishart star-rating
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We had our wills, power of attorney and medical treatment decision makers documents finalised. The services were informative, friendly and clear from our first phone call to make the appointment, through to completion. The cost was reasonable for all three (x2 because there is two of us). I highly recommend Wollerman Shacklock Lawyers.

Tracy Campbell star-rating
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I have been using the team at Wollerman Shacklock for the last 12 months and cannot recommend them highly enough. Trish and her team have been a pleasure to deal with and made the whole experience as trouble free as I had hoped for from day one. They are exceptional at what they do and how they do it, if you are needing legal help you won’t be disappointed

David Sheahan star-rating
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We went to Wollerman Shacklock for conveyancing for our first home purchase. Trish and the team were exceptionally helpful throughout the process and very thorough. She ensured that we understood all areas, and thanks to her we had a good result. Great service.

Ben Tyler star-rating
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We started to using service from Wollerman Shacklock in 2018. They helping us trough different contracts and house buying and sale. We couldn't be happy vith knowledge and customer service. Very high standards from get the best results for they customer.
If you looking the best property lawyers not hesitate to contact them.
We are very happy with Wollerman Shacklock.

Attila Simon star-rating
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Patricia and the team have provided my family and business with first class professional advice and would highly recommend their services. Knowledge with a personal touch is very much appreciated.

Scott Kimm star-rating
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What a wonderfully efficient and friendly team they are at Wollerman.
Buying my first propert was daunting, but made easefull and secure knowing they were overseeing the process.
I mainly dealt with Eileen and Trish and they were delightful and professional to engage with.
Highly recommended.

Ciao Giam star-rating
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Where do I start!! What fantastic service from Trish, Jess and the team in organising and finalising my parents estate. At what is such a difficult time, they could not have been more helpful and professional but without the exorbitant fees that other Solicitors had quoted. Would definitely use them again. Thanks

Kelly Tuite star-rating
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Highly recommend Trish and staff at WS. Trish was extremely helpful and courteous, listened and understood my requirement, explored the possible scenarios to achieve the result I was after to my total satisfaction. Look no further than Wollerman Shacklock!!!

Laurie Ivaldi star-rating
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I needed to get a letter written by a solicitor in relation to my deceased husband’s final pay from his employer. Beth at Wollerman Shacklock lawyer was fantastic. Beth understands what I was asking for and began working on it that day. After I provided a certified copy of my husband’s death certificate it only took 1 day and the letter was ready. Very happy with this service, speed, compassion and professionalism. Highly recommended.

Alexandra McConalogue star-rating
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We needed a solicitor urgently at 4pm on a Friday afternoon. We rang every other firm in Berwick but no one else was willing to squeeze us in at short notice. Thank you so much!! Will definitely be coming back here in the future for our legal needs.

AndyandJoc Wynd star-rating
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Very professional and helpful. Staff addressed all of our issues and addressed all our requirements, great outcome and very satisfied.

Would recommend them to anyone looking for solid legal services.

Shane Ilewelyn star-rating
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I had to urgently get papers signed I front of a lawyer. From the telephone call to presenting to the office. The lawyers were very accomodating, they witnessed me sign the papers and did not charge me. I appreciate their kindness and assistance.

Ronald Gill star-rating
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I had a really positive experience dealing with Wollerman Shacklock Lawyers when they handled my late mother's estate.

They were really responsive and handled my matters professionally and promptly.

André Wilson star-rating
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Kayla @ WS was a pleasure to deal with, very professional, knowledgeable, helpful and proactive in facilitating our settlement. We could not have asked for better and friendly service, and recommend Wolleman Shacklock to everyone, you wont be dissapointed!

Ana Kombol star-rating
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The team at Wollerman & Shacklock Lawyers have been a tremendous help when it came to revising our Wills. They were incredibly competent, professional, and dedicated to offering top-notch service.

If you require help with estate planning, we highly advise contacting Wollerman & Shacklock Lawyers.

Kaye Tsui Po star-rating
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Absolutely fantastic service! The team made the whole conveyancing process smooth, stress-free, and fast. They were professional, friendly, and always kept me updated.

I couldn’t have asked for a better experience!

Reuben Becsi star-rating
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Have been using Wollerman Shacklock Lawyers in relation to my mother's will and estate. They have been super helpful and have made navigating through the processes very easy during this difficult time.

Anyone I have had contact with have been courteous and professional at all times.

Thank You.

Dennis Hackling star-rating
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Patricia, Rose & Oriana are very friendly & professional.

I was tardy in getting my wills finalised & they were patient & helped me get it all sorted.

Thank you!

Rachelle Stankic star-rating
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Have always found Wollerman Shacklock Solicitors & staff, very professional, helpful & nothing is too much trouble, in our dealings with them for over 30yrs.

Highly recommend:)

Anne Zupecki star-rating
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We are so pleased to have our wills done with Wollerman. We find them warm, friendly and very, very professional.

We gladly recommend them to anyone needing their services.

Barbie Schiefler star-rating
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Our family has been very happy with Wollerman Shacklock for over 30 years.

From property related matters and recently the settlement of an estate.

Highly recommended.

Helen Jackson star-rating
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The team at Wollerman Shacklock Lawyers were fantastic to deal with. Always prompt, professional, helpful and friendly. Trish Sheedy was absolutely brilliant and expertly guided us to thoroughly dissect, understand and deal with a frustrating and difficult issue. Her insight, understanding and explanations were clear, concise and helpful and her attention to detail exceptional. We highly recommend Trish & her team for all things legal, especially within the commercial/industrial property law.

Jo Fiscalini star-rating
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We have used Wollerman Shacklock for all our legal needs for more than 20 years, most recently for negotiating probate and estate settlement. Everyone is always friendly and professional and the team display a high degree of knowledge and compassion. I highly recommend their services.

Mary Cleary star-rating
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