Frequently Asked Questions
General ILA Questions
What is Independent Legal Advice?
Independent Legal Advice (ILA) is legal counsel provided by a lawyer who has no conflicts of interest with other parties involved in your transaction. The lawyer works exclusively for you to explain the legal implications of documents you’re asked to sign.
How is ILA different from regular legal advice?
ILA is specifically focused on helping you understand a particular document or transaction. It’s usually a one-time service, not ongoing representation. The lawyer must be completely independent from other parties involved.
Why is ILA required?
Banks, employers, and courts often require ILA to ensure you fully understand important legal documents. It protects both you and the other parties by confirming you’re making an informed decision.
Can I use any lawyer for ILA?
Yes, you can. Our process is streamlined, efficient, and ready to serve you.
Service & Process Questions
How quickly can I get Independent Legal Advice?
Our standard turnaround time is between 6 and 48 hours. If you require rush service, please contact us. An extra fee applies for rush service.
How long does the consultation take?
The length required for the consultation depends on many factors, including the type of independent legal advice and your specific circumstances. Consultations will generally last between 15 minutes and an hour.
Do I have to meet in person?
It depends. Most independent legal advice can be done virtually; however, certain documents need to be witnessed in person.
What if I have questions after the consultation?
If you have questions about the independent legal advice given, please contact us.
What documents do I need to provide?
The types of documents you need to provide depends on the type of independent legal advice you are seeking. Our intake forms specify the documents that you need to submit.
Pricing & Payment Questions
How much does Independent Legal Advice cost?
The pricing for independent legal advice depends on the service. Our general pricing structure is below:
Employment & Severance Review: $750
Can someone else pay for my Independent Legal Advice?
Yes, but whoever pays the fee doesn’t influence the advice we give.
Do I pay before or after the service?
Our retainer is payable prior to meeting with the lawyer.
Are there any hidden fees?
No. There are no hidden fees. We charge the base independent legal advice fee, plus tax.
Severance-Specific Questions
Will you negotiate with my employer for me?
No, we do not negotiate with employers. Our service is limited to independent legal advice, but we are happy to refer you to one of our partners for ongoing representation.
What if my severance package is unfair?
We will advise you of the potential range for your severance and your legal and non-legal options. If you want to pursue legal action, we are happy to provide you with a list of our referral partners.
Family Law Questions
Do both parties need separate lawyers?
Independent Legal Advice (ILA) is legal counsel provided by a lawyer who has no conflicts of interest with other parties involved in your transaction. The lawyer works exclusively for you to explain the legal implications of documents you’re asked to sign.
Can the agreement be changed later?
ILA is specifically focused on helping you understand a particular document or transaction. It’s usually a one-time service, not ongoing representation. The lawyer must be completely independent from other parties involved.
What if we can't afford two lawyers?
Banks, employers, and courts often require ILA to ensure you fully understand important legal documents. It protects both you and the other parties by confirming you’re making an informed decision.
Guarantee/Loan Questions
What happens to my guarantee if I get divorced?
ILA is specifically focused on helping you understand a particular document or transaction. It’s usually a one-time service, not ongoing representation. The lawyer must be completely independent from other parties involved.
Can I limit my liability as a guarantor?
Banks, employers, and courts often require ILA to ensure you fully understand important legal documents. It protects both you and the other parties by confirming you’re making an informed decision.
Technical Questions
Is your video platform secure?
We use Zoom for our video conference platform. Zoom uses industry standard encryption for all video calls.
What happens to my documents after the consultation?
We keep your records in accordance with the rules and regulation of the relevant Law Society.
How do you verify my identity?
We will either use a third-party provider, Vaultie, or we may verify your identity at the beginning of the consultation.