Service Overview
Focused legal support for independent legal advice
Independent Legal Advice, often called ILA, is a process in which a person meets with a lawyer who is not acting for the other side of the transaction. The purpose is to make sure the person signing understands the legal document, their rights and obligations, and the practical consequences of signing it.
ILA is often required in mortgage and refinancing transactions, family law agreements, business agreements, estate planning matters, employment agreements, and property transfers for nominal or no consideration.
Why independent legal advice matters
ILA is designed to:
- Protect vulnerable parties
- Reduce the risk of undue influence or coercion
- Confirm informed and voluntary consent
- Minimize conflicts of interest
- Support the legal enforceability of the document where ILA is required
What the ILA process may involve
Depending on the transaction, the process may include:
- Review of the relevant documents received from the other side
- Explanation of the contents, obligations, and risks
- Opportunity to ask questions directly
- Assessment of whether the client understands the document and is signing voluntarily
- Completion of any required lawyer confirmation or certificate
If you need independent legal advice before signing a document, our office can help you understand what you are agreeing to and what the legal consequences may be.