Independent Legal Advice

Clients often come to our office with contracts that have been negotiated and drafted by another lawyer, seeking Independent Legal Advice (ILA) before they sign.

Some clients are genuinely concerned, and want to be reassured that the contract is good for them and contains no surprises. Some believe that getting ILA is a mere formality, and expect a lawyer to simply rubber-stamp a contract they bring in.

At Yigal Rifkind, Barrister & Solicitor, we believe our integrity is on the line. Whether your contract has to do with real estate, business law or other legal practice areas, we give it our full attention.

We do not offer ILA for family law contracts.

Taking It Seriously

If you come to our office for ILA, we will not simply glance over the document to make sure there are no obvious errors. When you come to us, we must:

  • Ensure that you understand the purpose of your contract
  • Explain any terms that may be unfamiliar
  • Explain the consequences of signing
  • Ensure that you are signing freely, without undue influence
  • Accept payment only from you and not from somebody who might have a stake in convincing you to sign
  • Keep a copy of the agreement and notes in our files

We will also explain matters that may be specific to your contract, such as:

  • The nature of a mortgage, guarantee, liability, foreclosure, security or power of sale
  • The possible consequences of a spouse's default
  • The consequences of failure to honour the financial obligations
  • The effects of bankruptcy on the contract
  • The effects of a possible breakdown of a marriage, or the death of certain individuals, on the contract

If you choose to sign against legal advice, this must be recorded in the presence of a witness.

Contract law in Canada can be harsh to those who sign a contract and then find it difficult to live with its terms. It is our aim to protect you from any contract that is not in your best interest, and to be thorough and forthright while doing so.

Contact Yigal Rifkind, Barrister & Solicitor

We provide ILA for clients in the Greater Toronto Area and nearby regions of Ontario. Call us at 416-222-4597 or fill out our online form.