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Waiver of Independent Legal Advice
A waiver of independent legal advice records that a person chose not to obtain independent legal advice before signing a document, after being advised to do so. Consider the risks; obtaining advice is recommended.
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Also known as
- ILA Waiver
- Waiver of ILA
- Declining Independent Legal Advice
+1 more names
- Independent Legal Advice Waiver
Waiver of Independent Legal Advice
I, ______, of ______, in the Province of Ontario, declare the following:
1. I have reviewed and fully understand the attached Agreement dated ______, and I am aware of all terms contained within it. I have read the Agreement and am satisfied that I understand my rights and obligations under it.
2. I acknowledge that I was advised to obtain independent legal counsel regarding the terms of the Agreement and was given a reasonable opportunity to do so. Despite this recommendation and opportunity, I declare that:
a. I choose to sign this Agreement without first obtaining independent legal advice;
b. I understand the terms of this Agreement and confirm they accurately reflect my wishes and intentions;
c. I will not attempt to challenge this Agreement in the future by claiming that I did not receive independent legal advice or that I failed to understand any of its terms; and
d. I consent to be bound by all terms of this Agreement.
3. I declare that I am signing this Agreement freely and voluntarily, without fear, threats, coercion, or undue influence from ______ or any other individual.
Dated at ______, ______, this ______
___________________________________
______
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Waiver of Independent Legal Advice
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01Personal Details
City of residence
Province of residence
Full name of the person making this declaration
Waiver of Independent Legal Advice
I, ______, of ______, in the Province of Ontario, declare the following:
1. I have reviewed and fully understand the attached Agreement dated ______, and I am aware of all terms contained within it. I have read the Agreement and am satisfied that I understand my rights and obligations under it.
2. I acknowledge that I was advised to obtain independent legal counsel regarding the terms of the Agreement and was given a reasonable opportunity to do so. Despite this recommendation and opportunity, I declare that:
a. I choose to sign this Agreement without first obtaining independent legal advice;
b. I understand the terms of this Agreement and confirm they accurately reflect my wishes and intentions;
c. I will not attempt to challenge this Agreement in the future by claiming that I did not receive independent legal advice or that I failed to understand any of its terms; and
d. I consent to be bound by all terms of this Agreement.
3. I declare that I am signing this Agreement freely and voluntarily, without fear, threats, coercion, or undue influence from ______ or any other individual.
Dated at ______, ______, this ______
___________________________________
______
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How it works
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Overview
About this document
- 01
What is a waiver of independent legal advice?
It is a signed statement confirming that a person was told they could obtain independent legal advice, understood the recommendation, and decided to proceed without it.
It is used to record that the choice not to get advice was informed.
- 02
Important — consider the risks
Independent legal advice helps you understand a document and its effects before you commit. Waiving it means you proceed without that protection, which can have significant consequences for guarantees, security, or contracts.
Obtaining independent legal advice is recommended, especially for significant documents. A notary can witness the waiver, but witnessing is not legal advice.
- 03
When you might use one
It is used where advice was recommended but declined.
- A party recommended you get independent advice and you choose not to.
- A document records that the decision to proceed was informed.
- You want to confirm you understood the recommendation.
- 04
How notarization works for a waiver of independent legal advice in Ontario
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.
- Arrange independent legal advice with a lawyer who is independent of the other party.
- Fill in the document online and download a clean PDF.
- A notary can witness or notarize signatures online or in Ottawa.
- Witnessing by a notary is not legal advice.
Good to know
Before you fill it in.
Short notes from our notary on this template. Worth a minute before you start.
- 01
Reviewed for use in Ontario by a notary public and commissioner for taking affidavits.
- 02
Fill it in online for free and download a ready-to-sign PDF — no account required.
- 03
Sign in front of the notary, who administers your oath or witnesses your signature and applies the seal.
- 04
Notarize online by video across Ontario, or in person in Ottawa.
Frequently asked
Questions about the Waiver of Independent Legal Advice
- What is a waiver of independent legal advice?
- It records that a person was advised to get independent legal advice before signing and chose to proceed without it, confirming the decision was informed.
- Should I waive independent legal advice?
- Obtaining advice is recommended, especially for significant documents like guarantees or contracts, because it helps you understand the effects before you commit.
- Can a notary witness the waiver?
- Yes. A notary can witness or notarize the waiver, online or in Ottawa, but witnessing is not legal advice.
- What are the risks of waiving?
- You proceed without the protection of independent advice, which can have significant consequences for guarantees, security, or contracts.
Keep exploring
Related templates
Other documents for identity & personal status.
- 01Certificate of Independent Legal Advice
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.
Fill it out - 02Application to Change an Adult’s Name in Ontario (Form 11155)
The supporting documents to change an adult’s legal name in Ontario, which are sworn before a commissioner. Fill in your details online, download a ready-to-sign PDF, and notarize in Ontario. The legal change is completed through ServiceOntario.
Fill it out - 03Mutual Release Agreement
A mutual release in which two parties release each other from claims to settle a dispute. Fill it in online, download a ready-to-sign PDF, and have signatures witnessed in Ontario. Consider legal advice before signing.
Fill it out - 04Affidavit of Domicile
A sworn affidavit confirming where a deceased person lived at the time of death — often required to transfer securities, accounts, or other estate assets. Fill it in online, download a ready-to-sign PDF, and notarize in Ontario.
Fill it out
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Ready to create your Waiver of Independent Legal Advice?
Fill it in online, then download a ready-to-sign PDF or an editable Word copy. This document must be signed in person. Not sure what the appointment involves? Read about the Statutory Declarations service first.