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A certificate of independent legal advice (ILA) confirms that a person received independent legal advice from a lawyer before signing a document, such as a guarantee or mortgage. The advice must come from a lawyer; a notary can witness signatures.
Also known as
Certificate of Independent Legal Advice
To: ______ (the "Bank")
I have been retained by ______ (the "Obligor") of ______ ("Relation") regarding the legal implications of:
(1) executing the guarantee/suretyship in the form attached, dated ______, in support of the liabilities of ______ (the "Borrower").
(2) joining in Assignment(s) of Life Insurance in the form(s) attached, dated ______
(3) executing a joint and several promissory note payable to the Bank in the amount of ______ dated ______ , together with any renewals thereof as the Bank may require from time to time, thereby assuming liability as principal debtor to the Bank jointly with ______ (the "Borrower").
(4) granting to you the following security in the form attached: ______ as collateral for the indebtedness and liability of the Obligor and the Borrower to the Bank.
Neither I nor any solicitor in my firm acts for the Relation, the Borrower, or the Bank in any capacity. I was consulted independently by the Obligor and have provided advice solely in the Obligor's interest, without regard to the interests of the Relation, Borrower, or Bank. I have fully and clearly explained to the Obligor their position and the consequences of executing the document(s) described above, acting exclusively as the Obligor's solicitor. The Obligor confirmed a complete understanding of the nature and effect of the said document(s) and acknowledged executing them freely and voluntarily, as their own act and deed, without fear, threat, influence, or compulsion from the Relation, the Borrower, or the Bank. I confirm that all such advice was given to the Obligor before the above documents were delivered to the Bank.
I hereby confirm that all statements in the above Certificate are true and accurate, that neither the Relation, nor any business associates of the Obligor, nor the Borrower, nor the Bank, nor any other person has applied compulsion, made threats, or exercised undue influence to induce me to take the actions described in the above Certificate. The solicitor who advised me as stated above was consulted by me as my personal solicitor, acting in my interest alone. I confirm that I received the above advice prior to delivery of the documents to the Bank.
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Overview
It records that a person met separately with a lawyer who explained a document and its effects, so the person signed with informed, independent understanding.
Banks and lenders often require it before accepting a guarantee or certain security, to reduce the risk that the signer did not understand what they signed.
Independent legal advice must be provided by a lawyer, who completes and signs the certificate. A notary public can witness or notarize signatures, but a notary does not provide the legal advice itself.
If you have been asked for an ILA certificate, arrange to meet a lawyer who is independent of the other party.
It is requested before signing significant documents.
Independent legal advice must be given by a lawyer, who completes and signs the relevant certificate. A notary public does not provide the legal advice, but can witness and notarize signatures where required.
Minute Notary can witness signatures online by secure video, under Ontario's remote commissioning rules (O. Reg. 431/20), or in person in Ottawa. Bring valid government-issued photo identification.
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