What is a Certificate of Independent Legal Advice (ILA)?

This document overviews that the borrower has met with their lawyer, and that the lawyer has explained the terms and conditions of the mortgage. The borrower will also attest that he or she is not obtaining the mortgage under any undue influence or duress. This can occur when the individual is acting as a Guarantor for a family member or a friend. It may also be when the mental state of the borrower may be in question.

How do you get a Certificate of Independent Legal Advice (ILA)?

The lawyer that will be working on the behalf of the lender will send the mortgage closing documents to the borrower’s lawyer that is providing the ILA. The borrower’s lawyer will then meet with the client to explain the mortgage. Once this has been done, the borrower’s lawyer will complete the ILA.