Frequently Asked Questions

A real estate lawyer reviews contracts, conducts title searches, ensures legal compliance, handles closing documents, and protects your interests throughout the property transaction process. They identify potential issues and ensure all legal requirements are met.

You should hire a real estate lawyer when buying or selling property, reviewing purchase agreements, dealing with title issues, handling commercial real estate transactions, or facing property disputes. Early involvement helps prevent legal complications.

A title search examines public records to confirm legal ownership and identify any liens, encumbrances, or restrictions on the property. It's crucial for ensuring you receive clear title and preventing future ownership disputes.

During closing, the lawyer reviews all documents, ensures funds are properly transferred, registers the transfer with land titles, and handles the legal transfer of ownership. They explain all documents and ensure everything is legally binding.

Main pathways include Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades), Provincial Nominee Programs, Family Sponsorship, and Business Immigration. Each has specific requirements and processing times.

Processing times vary significantly: visitor visas (2-4 weeks), study permits (4-12 weeks), work permits (8-16 weeks), permanent residency (6-24 months depending on program). Current IRCC processing times and your specific circumstances affect timing.

Yes, if you have a valid work permit or are eligible for a bridging open work permit. Some permanent residency applicants can apply for open work permits to maintain employment while their application is processed.

Family sponsorship allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor close family members. You can sponsor your spouse/partner, dependent children, parents, and grandparents. Each category has specific financial and eligibility requirements.

If refused, you can appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division (for certain applications), request judicial review in Federal Court, or reapply with stronger documentation. A lawyer can help identify the refusal reasons and determine the best course of action.

A notary public can authenticate documents, administer oaths, and certify copies. A lawyer provides legal advice, represents clients in court, and handles complex legal matters. Many lawyers, including our firm, are also commissioned as notaries.

Common documents requiring notarization include Power of Attorney, affidavits, statutory declarations, certified copies, consent letters, travel authorizations for minors, real estate documents, and international documents.

A Power of Attorney is a legal document giving someone authority to act on your behalf. You may need one for financial matters during travel, illness, or for elderly care. There are different types: general, specific, and enduring/continuing.

You typically need valid government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, provincial ID card). Some documents may require additional identification or witnesses. The notary will verify your identity before proceeding.

Yes, we can notarize documents for international use. Some countries may require additional authentication (apostille or consular legalization). We can guide you through the specific requirements for your destination country.