Independent Legal Advice
Independent Legal Advice in Vancouver
Asked to get ILA before you sign? We meet with you privately, explain what you’re signing, and provide the signed certificate your lender needs — same week, at a flat fee.
What it is
What is independent legal advice?
If your lender, notary or a family member has asked you to get Independent Legal Advice (ILA) before signing, Horricks Law can help — quickly. We explain exactly what you’re signing and the risks involved, and provide the signed ILA certificate your lender needs.
Independent legal advice is confirmation from a lawyer — independent of the other party — that you understand a document you’re signing and its consequences, and that you’re signing freely and without pressure. Lenders, notaries and courts require it so agreements hold up and can’t later be challenged.
If your bank, notary or a family member has told you to “get ILA” before signing, that’s exactly what we provide: a private meeting, a clear explanation, and the signed certificate your lender needs.
Your lender or notary sent you here? You’re in the right place — we handle ILA appointments quickly, at a flat fee, and can usually see you the same week.
Send us your documents ahead
Email the paperwork your lender or notary provided and we’ll review it before you arrive.
Common scenarios
When you need ILA
You’ll typically be asked for ILA when you are:
Guarantor / co-signer
You’re backing someone else’s loan or mortgage — the lender needs proof you understand the risk you’re taking on.
Spousal / family property transfer
Transferring property between spouses or family members, or adding or removing someone from title.
Private mortgage or refinance
Entering a private mortgage, higher-rate or non-bank lending, or refinancing.
Business loan / personal guarantee
Signing a business loan or personal guarantee — you’re personally backing a company debt.
Separation / cohabitation agreement
Signing a separation or cohabitation agreement — each party needs their own ILA.
Step by step
How it works
Book & send your documents
Email us the paperwork your lender or notary provided so we can review it before you arrive.
Private meeting
We explain the document, your obligations and the risks — and answer every question.
Sign & certify
Once you’re comfortable, you sign and we issue the signed ILA certificate for your lender.
What to bring
Bring government photo ID and the documents you’ve been asked to sign. Send them ahead if you can so we can review in advance.
Why Horricks Law
Why clients choose us for ILA
Clients across Vancouver choose Horricks Law for clear advice, fixed fees, and a genuinely responsive lawyer — reflected in a 4.9★ rating from 59 clients.
Same-week appointments
ILA is time-sensitive — we fit you in fast.
Clear flat fee
One clear price for the meeting and certificate.
4.9★ · 59 reviews
Highly rated, downtown Vancouver office.
Genuinely independent advice
Clear and unbiased — independent of the lender or other party.
FAQ
ILA questions
What is independent legal advice and when do I need it?
It’s a lawyer confirming you understand what you’re signing and are signing freely — commonly required for guarantors, spousal/family property transfers, private mortgages and refinances.
How much does an ILA certificate cost in Vancouver?
We charge a clear flat fee for the meeting and certificate. Ask when you book and you’ll know the exact cost before you come in.
How quickly can I get an ILA appointment?
ILA is usually urgent, so we offer same-week (often same- or next-day) appointments at our downtown Vancouver office.
What do I need to bring?
Government photo ID and the documents your lender or notary asked you to sign. Send them ahead if you can so we can review in advance.
Can it be done in one visit?
Yes — in most cases we review, advise and certify in a single appointment.
Why does it have to be an independent lawyer?
So the advice is genuinely yours and free of any conflict with the lender or other party — that independence is the whole point and what makes the certificate valid.
Can you do ILA remotely?
Depending on the lender’s requirements and identity-verification rules, remote ILA may be possible; we’ll confirm when you book.
Reviews
What Our Clients Say
EXCELLENT ★★★★★
Based on 49 reviews — See all reviews on Google
“Great experience working with Jeff. When I called with an urgent legal matter he responded promptly and got right to work in order to help me meet the deadlines I had been presented with.”
Devinne Lagasse
October 2024 · Google review
“I needed to open a new corporation for a franchise I purchased and they made the whole process so easy and got it done for me within a few days.”
Deven Bertrand
August 2025 · Google review
“Very professional, personable, everything going clearly explained. No mumbo jumbo.”
Maria Calogeros
August 2025 · Google review
Need ILA before you sign?
Rated 4.9★ from 59 Google reviews — one of Vancouver’s most highly-rated law offices.
Book a same-week appointment with a Vancouver lawyer today.