Clear advice on aged care and retirement living decisions.
Moving into aged care or a retirement village is a big financial and personal decision. We review the agreements, explain the costs, and help families and providers get it right.
Talk to us about your matter
Meet online, or in person at our office (by prior appointment). We usually reply within one business day.
Aged Care Law at Asher Freeman Lawyers
Asher Freeman Lawyers is a law firm in Chadstone, Victoria that helps older people, families and providers with aged care law, including aged care agreements, accommodation payments, retirement village contracts and related disputes. We act for clients across Victoria, online or in person at our Chadstone office (by prior appointment), and quote fixed fees wherever possible.
Our aged care law services
Aged care agreements
Reviewing residential and home care agreements before you sign.
Accommodation payments
Explaining refundable deposits, daily payments and how they're refunded.
Retirement village contracts
Reviewing contracts, exit fees and ongoing charges before you commit.
Powers of attorney
Making sure the right people can make decisions for a family member.
Disputes and complaints
Help with disputes with a provider or retirement village operator.
Estate planning
Updating wills and planning when a parent moves into care.
Advice for providers
Resident agreements and compliance with state and Commonwealth obligations.
Projects and structuring
Contracts for aged care and retirement village developments.
What to know about aged care in 2026
The rules changed in November 2025
A new Aged Care Act started on 1 November 2025, changing the rights framework and some fees. Agreements signed before and after that date can work differently.
Read the costs closely
Accommodation payments, daily fees and retirement village exit fees can be significant. Understanding how and when money is refunded is essential.
Get the paperwork in place early
Enduring powers of attorney need to be made while a person still has capacity. Putting them in place early avoids delays and VCAT applications later.
Three simple steps
Meet with us online, or in person at our Chadstone office (by prior appointment).
Tell us the situation
Share the agreement or contract and what you're trying to decide.
We review and explain
We explain the costs, rights and risks in plain English.
Decide with confidence
We negotiate changes where possible and help you finalise the paperwork.
Rated 5.0 from 35 Google reviews
“…very professional and helped us in understanding complex material in layman’s terms. Carried out the work in a very timely manner and clarified our questions really well.”
“Even after the sale completed, she continued to follow up with the bank and the authorities on my behalf to make sure everything was in order…”
“This firm is probably the most efficient one I have ever had to use… She was also very responsive and gave me constant updates.”
Aged Care Law: frequently asked questions
Should I get an aged care agreement reviewed before signing?
Yes. These agreements involve significant costs and set out your rights and obligations. A review helps you understand what you're agreeing to.
What is a refundable accommodation deposit?
It's a lump-sum payment for your room in residential aged care that is generally refunded when you leave, subject to the agreement and the rules that apply.
How do retirement village exit fees work?
Many villages charge a deferred management fee when you leave, often a percentage of the purchase or sale price. The contract sets out how it's calculated.
Do you advise aged care providers?
Yes. We advise providers on resident agreements, compliance and contracts for facilities and retirement villages.
Last reviewed October 2026. This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Contact us for advice about your situation.
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