Independent Advice
Advice from your own lawyer
Informed Signing
Understand rights and obligations
Certificate Support
ILA Certificate when appropriate
1
The Process
Conflict Check & Initial Booking
Before reviewing the agreement, we complete a conflict check to confirm that we can act for you independently. Once cleared, we schedule your consultation and provide instructions for submitting your documents.
2
Document Submission & Review
You provide the proposed domestic agreement, any relevant financial disclosure and supporting documents. We review the materials before your advice meeting.
3
Independent Legal Advice Meeting
We explain the agreement’s terms, legal effect, risks and obligations. You will have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns before deciding whether to sign.
4
Questions & Revisions
If concerns arise, we identify the relevant issues and may request reasonable revisions through the lawyer who prepared the agreement. Additional fees may apply where extensive negotiation or redrafting is required.
5
Signing &
ILA Certificate
Once the agreement is finalized, you may proceed with signing. An ILA Certificate will be provided only where we are satisfied that you understand the agreement, have received sufficient information and are signing voluntarily.
What is Independent Legal Advice?
Independent Legal Advice is advice from a lawyer who does not act for your partner. It is commonly requested before signing a Marriage Contract, Prenuptial Agreement, Separation Agreement or Cohabitation Agreement. The goal is to help you understand what you are agreeing to and reduce the risk of future challenges.
When is it needed?
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Before signing a Marriage Contract or Prenup prepared for your partner
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Before signing a Separation Agreement
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When the other lawyer requests an ILA Certificate
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When you want reassurance that the agreement is fair and understood
ILA Is Included With Our Domestic Agreements
If we prepare your Marriage Contract, Prenuptial Agreement, Cohabitation Agreement, or Separation Agreement, Independent Legal Advice is included for you as our client. The other party must obtain separate Independent Legal Advice from another lawyer.
Do I need my own lawyer if my partner already has one?
Yes. The lawyer preparing your partner’s agreement cannot give you independent advice. To receive an ILA Certificate, you need your own lawyer.
Will you negotiate the agreement for me?
We can raise concerns and request reasonable revisions. If extensive negotiations or redrafting are needed, additional fees may apply.
Can I get ILA virtually?
Yes. We offer virtual appointments across Ontario, provided identity verification and signing requirements can be satisfied.
Will I automatically receive an ILA Certificate?
Not always. A certificate is only provided if we are satisfied you understand the agreement, are signing voluntarily and have sufficient information.
Why Independent Legal Advice Matters
Independent legal advice helps reduce the risk of future disputes by showing that you had the opportunity to understand the agreement, ask questions and sign voluntarily.