I need ILA for a Separation Agreement or Adoption
Independent Legal Advice is a requirement in certain legal proceedings like adoptions, and is important to ensuring that separation agreements will be legally binding, enforceable, and that both parties know what their options and entitlements are before they make a finalized agreement.
Separation Agreements
Has your spouse or their lawyer presented you with a separation agreement that they want you to sign? Do you need a Certificate of Independent Legal Advice?
We will review the draft agreement and the financial disclosure that's been made, explain to you exactly what the agreements means, discuss with you what your options, entitlements, and obligations are, and if you decide to sign the agreement, we can provide a Certificate of Independent Legal Advice.
Licensee, Step-Parent & Adult Adoptions
Are you the spouse of an adult who wants to adopt a child? Are you an adult who is being adopted by a step-parent? Are you a licensee with a client who needs ILA?
Our office provides ILA to parents going through approved adoption licensees for the adoption of their child, and we also provide independent legal advice for Ontario adoptions involving adults, step-parents, and where spousal consents are needed. We provide the required affidavits and remain available during the 21-day cooling off period.
Child Adoptions and the OCL
You must contact the OCL directly if you are looking for a lawyer to provide ILA to a child over 7 who is the subject of an adoption application.
Independent Legal Advice for minors who are over the age of 7 is provided by the Office of the Children's Lawyer. If you are having trouble finding out how to get that process started, we can provide you with the form and contact information for the OCL absolutely free of charge. We do not accept OCL files directly - they must be assigned by the OCL in Toronto, but we would be happy to point you in the right direction.
Out of Province or International ILA
You're negotiating a separation agreement in Ontario, that will be covered by Ontario law, but you're not located in Ontario.
If you are negotiating a separation agreement that deals with children who ordinarily reside in Ontario, or that deals with property or financial matters in Ontario, we can provide you with ILA with respect to Ontario family law and/or your rights and obligations under the federal Divorce Act by videoconference with all documentation being exchanged and signed electronically.