Independent legal advice

Before you sign, understand.

A signature carries weight. Get a clear explanation of an agreement, its implications, and what it means for you.

A woman reviewing documents beside a laptop

Clarity before commitment

Your questions.
An independent perspective.

Independent legal advice gives you the opportunity to review a document with a lawyer who advises you about your own interests. This can be particularly useful where an agreement has been prepared by another party or their lawyer.

HCLS offers independent legal advice on agreements and significant legal commitments, including marriage contracts, separation agreements, and financial documents. A Certificate of Independent Legal Advice may be provided where appropriate.

Advice helps you make an informed decision. A certificate does not guarantee that an agreement will be enforceable in every circumstance.

Before you commit

Know what you’re agreeing to.

Independent advice can help you understand the terms, consider the risks, and make your own decision.

When independent advice may be needed

Settlements and releases: Before accepting a settlement or signing a release, understand the terms and the rights you may be giving up.
Marriage and separation agreements: Get advice about a marriage contract, cohabitation agreement, or separation agreement and how its terms may affect you.
Significant financial commitments: A lender or another party may request independent advice for a guarantee or other financial document. Review your obligations and potential exposure before signing.

What independent advice offers

A clearer understanding: Discuss the agreement in plain language, including its obligations and practical implications.
A chance to identify concerns: Explore terms that may create risk, need clarification, or warrant further discussion before you commit.
An informed decision: Ask questions privately and consider your options with a lawyer advising you about your own interests.
Advice tailored to you: Bring your circumstances and priorities into the review. Your lawyer can discuss whether a certificate of independent legal advice is appropriate.

A considered
next step.

Share the document and the context so your lawyer can prepare.

01 / Share

Start with your document.

Complete the independent legal advice intake and provide the agreement, relevant details, and any signing deadline.

02 / Review

Make room for questions.

Your lawyer reviews the document and explains the implications, obligations, and concerns relevant to you.

03 / Decide

Move forward informed.

Consider the advice before deciding what to do. Your lawyer will discuss any next steps and documentation.

Independent legal advice starts from $850 + HST. The scope, fee, and any disbursements are confirmed with your lawyer. Submitting an intake does not establish a lawyer-client relationship.

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Questions about
independent advice.

Can’t find your answer? Contact info@hcls.law.

Cost of Independent Legal Advice

Independent legal advice starts from $850 + HST. The fee depends on the document, complexity, and scope of the work. Your lawyer will confirm the fee and any disbursements before proceeding.

Understanding the ILA Certificate

A Certificate of Independent Legal Advice records that a lawyer has provided independent advice about a particular document or transaction. It may be provided where appropriate. It does not guarantee that an agreement will be enforceable in every circumstance.

What Is Independent Legal Advice Exactly?

Independent legal advice is advice from a lawyer who advises you about your own interests in a document or transaction, independently of the other parties. It gives you an opportunity to understand the terms and ask questions before deciding whether to sign.

When Do You Need Independent Legal Advice?

Consider seeking advice before signing an agreement that affects your rights or creates significant obligations, particularly where it was prepared by another party or their lawyer. A lender or another party may also request independent advice. Your lawyer can discuss what is appropriate for your circumstances.

Importance of Independent Legal Advice

Independent advice helps you understand the implications of a document, identify concerns, and consider your options. It gives you space to ask questions and make an informed decision about your own interests.

Differences Between Independent Legal Advice and Regular Legal Advice

The defining feature is independence from the other parties in the transaction. Your lawyer reviews the matter from your perspective. The agreed scope may be limited to reviewing and advising on a particular document, rather than handling the entire matter.

Process for Obtaining Independent Legal Advice

Complete the intake and provide the agreement, relevant background, and any signing deadline. Your lawyer will confirm the scope and fees, review the documents, and discuss their implications and risks with you. Any certificate or further work will be discussed as part of that process.

Legal Documents Requiring Independent Legal Advice

Independent advice may be requested or appropriate for marriage contracts, cohabitation agreements, separation agreements, settlements, guarantees, and other significant financial documents. Whether it is required depends on the transaction and its circumstances; your lawyer can review the specific request.

We’re here when you’re ready

Your next chapterstarts with a conversation.

You don’t need to have all the answers. Tell us where you are, and we’ll help you find a way forward.

Let’s talk (613) 519-4518