Legal Services
Before signing certain agreements, each person is often advised, or required, to get independent legal advice. Mida Law provides ILA so you understand what you are signing. ILA appointments are available in North York or by virtual meeting for clients across Ontario.
Who this may help
Anyone asked to sign an agreement, such as a separation agreement, cohabitation agreement, or marriage contract, who needs advice from a lawyer not acting for the other party.
ILA has a limited purpose: it is advice about a specific document, and it does not mean we are representing you in the underlying matter unless we are separately retained.
How Mida Law may assist
We review the agreement with you, explain your rights and what the terms mean, answer your questions, and, where appropriate, provide an ILA certificate. We do not guarantee that signing will be recommended; our role is to make sure you understand the agreement.
Common questions people bring to us
- What is ILA and why do I need it?
- Does ILA make my agreement binding?
- What happens during an ILA appointment?
What to expect
Get in touch
Tell us what document you have been asked to sign.
Conflicts check
We check for conflicts.
Initial consultation
An initial consultation to understand the context.
Sign with understanding
We review the agreement with you; you decide how to proceed, with a clear understanding of the terms.
What independent legal advice means
Independent legal advice, often shortened to ILA, is advice from a lawyer who acts only for you and has no involvement with the other person to the agreement. Its purpose is to make sure you understand the document in front of you, your rights and obligations under it, and your alternatives, before you sign.
When ILA is commonly required
ILA is commonly required or strongly recommended for separation agreements, cohabitation agreements and marriage contracts. It is also frequently requested by lenders when a spouse or family member guarantees a mortgage or loan, or signs a consent so that a property can be mortgaged or transferred. In family law, independent advice for each person is one of the main protections that supports the enforceability of an agreement.
The certificate of independent legal advice
After reviewing the agreement with you, the lawyer may sign a certificate of independent legal advice. The certificate confirms that you received advice on the document, understood it, and signed voluntarily. It does not say that the agreement is a good bargain for you; that is a judgment you make with the benefit of the advice. Where appropriate, Mida Law provides the certificate at the same appointment.
What to bring to an ILA appointment
Bring the complete agreement, any financial disclosure that came with it, and your questions. If the other side has asked for a witnessed signature, do not sign before the appointment. Valid photo identification is required. Appointments are available in North York or by secure video for clients across Ontario.
ILA for separation agreements and other family law documents
If the document is a separation agreement, our Separation Agreements page explains what an agreement typically covers and why disclosure matters. Our article What is independent legal advice (ILA)? walks through the process in more detail.
Frequently asked questions
What is ILA?
Advice from a lawyer acting only for you, so you understand an agreement before signing.
Why is ILA important?
It helps ensure you understand your rights and can support the enforceability of an agreement.
Do you provide a certificate?
Where appropriate, yes, after reviewing the agreement with you.
How much does independent legal advice cost?
ILA is usually a limited-scope service with a fee that depends on the length and complexity of the agreement. We confirm the fee before the appointment. See Fees & Consultation.
Can you give ILA if the agreement was prepared by another lawyer?
Yes. That is the usual situation. The other person’s lawyer prepares the agreement, and you receive advice from a lawyer acting only for you before signing.
Get independent advice before you sign
Clear, independent review of the agreement in front of you.
No legal advice. The information on this website is general in nature and not legal advice. Contacting Mida Law does not create a lawyer-client relationship.
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