[thelist] transferring a domain

[rudy]

this may seem like a newbie web consultant question, but i've never done it
before (just now breaking into the independent contractor line of work)

anyone know of a site which explains how to transfer a domain?

a potential client wants me to set up a website for him but his domain was
registered by his brother in england -- presumably the brother will have to
approve the transfer?

i know some hosts offer transfer services as part of their basic hosting
fee, is this the best route to go?

also, how important is it for the client to be able to contact the host by
phone?  does it really matter if the host is local?  what if the potential
audience for the website is local, does having a local host really improve
download speeds or is a host on the same continent okay (assuming reliable
phone/email service)?

offlist responses are preferred, so as not to clutter the list with this
newbie stuff

thanks muchly

rudy