Independent Legal Advice Sydney - Trusted, Fixed-Fee Advice
Guiding Sydney clients through independent legal advice, so they understand a document before they sign - with clear advice and fixed-fee pricing.
- Representing you and your interests, always
- Experienced and approachable
- Quality, responsive advice
- Compassionate, careful listening
Client Reviews
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"As a first time buyer, I needed careful guidance in my journey to becoming a home owner, I found that in Harriss Jones Lawyers. The efficiency, attention to detail and clear communication from Kathryn and the team meant that I could relax every step of the way until I signed on the dotted line."
Margi de Ferranti
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"Cannot thank Kathryn and Annette enough for the help they provided at a tough time. Not only legally but - especially - for liaising with the aged care facility where a loved one is staying. They saved us a significant amount of money and stress. Thank you all so much."
K Smith
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"The care and support the team at Harriss Jones gave was outstanding. They genuinely care about their customers and I will be using them again."
Kate Redpath
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"As a first time buyer, I needed careful guidance in my journey to becoming a home owner, I found that in Harriss Jones Lawyers. The efficiency, attention to detail and clear communication from Kathryn and the team meant that I could relax every step of the way until I signed on the dotted line."
Margi de Ferranti
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"Cannot thank Kathryn and Annette enough for the help they provided at a tough time. Not only legally but - especially - for liaising with the aged care facility where a loved one is staying. They saved us a significant amount of money and stress. Thank you all so much."
K Smith
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"The care and support the team at Harriss Jones gave was outstanding. They genuinely care about their customers and I will be using them again."
Kate Redpath
More reviews on Google Reviews →
Areas we can help with
Guarantees for a loan or mortgage
Binding financial agreements and child support agreements
Business contracts and shareholder agreements
Family loans and guarantees
Certificates of independent legal advice
Surrogacy Arrangements
SMSF loans
Understanding independent legal advice
Independent legal advice is only independent if the lawyer acts only for you, not for the other party or the lender. We explain the document and what it means for you before you sign, and provide a certificate of independent legal advice, which confirms we have explained the document and its effects to you.
Tailored advice for your situation
You may be asked to get independent advice in many situations, so we shape our advice around where you are in yours.
A guarantor? You can become responsible for a loan if the borrower can't repay it. We explain the risks before you guarantee someone else's loan.
A parent helping your children? We advise before you put your home or savings behind a family loan.
Signing a prenup? Independent advice means your agreement can be properly prepared and binding.
Entering a child support agreement? We advise before you enter into a binding child support agreement.
A director or business partner? We help you understand your personal obligations under company or partnership agreements.
Advice for your surrogacy? We help explain the process and provide you with advice.
Asked to sign something important? We give you a clear explanation in plain English before you commit.
What are the potential risks?
Lenders and others often require independent advice when someone is signing a guarantee or agreement that could have serious consequences, such as a guarantee for a loan or a financial agreement. Signing without understanding the document can leave you responsible for obligations you didn't expect.
Speak to Sydney's independent legal advice lawyers
Whether you've been asked to sign a guarantee, a prenup or a business contract, Harriss Jones Lawyers has the experience to guide you through every stage. Often just one appointment is enough, provided we have the document in advance.
Call us today on 02 9575 7541 or complete the enquiry form below.
Why choose Harriss Jones Lawyers
Our experienced, approachable team listens first, gives you clear, responsive advice, and acts for you and your interests at every step.
From your first conversation, we take the time to understand your situation, plan ahead and deal with everyone involved on your behalf - so your matter is shaped around you, and the right questions are asked before they become problems.
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1. Get in touch
Contact us early so we can understand your situation and goals.
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2. Review & advise
We assess the details and explain your options in plain English.
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3. Plan your next steps
We confirm the approach, timeline and fixed fee upfront.
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4. We get it done
We manage the work and keep you updated through to completion.
Meet Our Team
Two Principal Solicitors and two licensed conveyancers, focused on getting your settlement right.
Kathryn Harriss
Solicitor
Along with Melanie, we commenced our practice with the goal to provide quality legal advice and assist people to navigate through the law.
Melanie Jones
Solicitor
Harriss Jones Lawyers has been a fulfilling and exciting adventure, and it is great to see our team develop and grow.
Nicole Aghabi
Solicitor
I've recently joined Harriss Jones Lawyers that brought our practices together. We're now able to provide support focused on Surrogacy.
Sarah Murray
Licensed Conveyancer
Working at Harriss Jones Lawyers has given me a great start to my legal career and has allowed me to learn so many important skills.
Annette Suann
Licensed Conveyancer
With over 30 years experience in conveyancing, it has been great to be part of a female team where we share a common passion.
Khajinder Kaur
Senior Associate Solicitor
As a family lawyer and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, I help clients through separation, parenting, property and family violence matters. I focus on resolving disputes through negotiation wherever possible, so families can avoid the stress and cost of court.
Amelie Curley
Legal Clerk
I'm completing a double degree in Laws and Medical Science at UTS while gaining hands-on experience at Harriss Jones Lawyers. I mostly assist with Wills and estate planning matters, and I'm enjoying learning something new every day.
Nicole Thorne
Receptionist / Office Administration
With over 30 years' experience, I'm the first smiling face you'll meet when you walk into our office. I look after the firm's correspondence, safe custody records and staff diaries.
Our Legal Services
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Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most often about independent legal advice.
What is independent legal advice?
It's advice from a lawyer who acts only for you, and isn't involved with the other person or lender. They explain a document and what it means for you before you sign.
Why am I being asked to get it?
Lenders, and others, often require it when someone is signing a guarantee or agreement that could have serious consequences, such as a guarantee for a loan or a financial agreement.
Can the lawyer for the other person give me the advice?
Generally, no. For advice to be independent, the lawyer should be acting only for you, not for the other party or the lender.
Do I have to sign after I get advice?
No. You can decide not to sign, ask for changes or take more time. The decision is always yours.
What is a certificate of independent legal advice?
It's a document signed by the lawyer to confirm they've explained the document and its effects to you. Lenders and others often require it.
How long does it take?
Often just one appointment, provided we have the document in advance. We'll let you know if we need more time.
What is your pricing?
At Harriss Jones Lawyers, after meeting with you to find out what you need, we will provide you with clear information on our professional fees that is specific to your matter. For more information get in touch with our team.
Our Legal Insights
Legal advice you can count on
Whatever brings you here - property, family, wills and estates, or business - call us, book a call directly, or complete the form and we'll be in touch.
- 02 9575 7541
- Contact Us
- 572 Box Road, Jannali, NSW 2226
- Mon–Fri, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Helping you through the key milestones of life - from property and family law to wills, estates and business.
Business Details
Harriss Jones Lawyers Pty. Ltd.
ABN: 84 165 555 233
Principals: Kathryn Harriss and Melanie Jones
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
© 2026 All rights reserved
Contact us today
- Phone: 02 9575 7541
- Address: 572 Box Road, Jannali, NSW 2226
- PO Box: PO Box 249, Oyster Bay, NSW 2225
