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Real Estate Law / ILA

Independent Legal Advice (ILA)
in Alberta.

Lenders, counterparties, and sometimes the law itself require that a person get advice from a lawyer who acts only for them before signing. Our lawyers run ILA appointments seriously and efficiently: the document reviewed before you arrive, the risks explained in plain language, and the certificate signed at the appointment, usually same day or next day.

Last updated

When ILA is required

The usual triggers are guarantees, such as a director guaranteeing company borrowing or a parent supporting a child’s mortgage, along with private and second mortgage loans, spousal consents in refinancing and transfer files, and large gifts or loans between family members. In each case the person signing is taking on real risk, and the party relying on the signature wants to know it was understood.

We treat the appointment as advice, not paperwork. You leave knowing exactly what you are on the hook for, when it can be called, and what it would cost you on a bad day. If the document is one you should not sign, we say so.

What this desk handles

  • Guarantees for business and personal borrowing
  • Private and second mortgage borrowers
  • Spousal and dower consents
  • Family loans and gift documentation
  • Certificates signed at the appointment
  • Video appointments where the relying party permits

Where we act

Our lawyers handle ILA files across Alberta from our Calgary office, including Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks, Chestermere, Edmonton, and everywhere between. Alberta has one Land Titles system, so the closing works the same wherever the property sits. Signing happens at our office, by video where permitted, or with a local commissioner near you.

Common questions

ILA: frequently asked questions

  • Usually same day or next day. Send us the document when you book so we can review it before you arrive. The appointment itself typically takes 30 to 45 minutes and you leave with the signed certificate.

  • Because a guarantee or consent signed without independent advice is easier to challenge later. The lender’s lawyer acts for the lender. ILA means someone whose only duty is to you has explained the downside before you take it on. It protects you first and the transaction second.

  • Often, yes. Alberta permits remote signing of many documents, and most lenders accept video ILA with proper identity verification. Some still require in-person signing, so we confirm the requirement before booking to make sure the certificate is accepted the first time.

Book a consultation

Talk to one of our lawyers about your ILA file.

Send us the details of what you are working on and we will follow up within one business day. Closing inside seven days? Please call us directly.

Call the firm
587-327-7314
Office hours
Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Mountain Time
Signings outside these hours by arrangement.

Book a consultation

One business day response. For closings inside seven days, please call us directly.

One business day response. Closing inside seven days? Call us.

Calgary · Alberta

Opening an ILA file?

Send us the details and we will respond within one business day, with a flat quote on standard matters.