Independent Legal Advice

If you have been handed a separation agreement, marriage contract or cohabitation agreement and told to "get ILA," this is what that means.

What it is. Independent legal advice is a meeting with a lawyer who acts only for you, who explains what the document says, what rights you are giving up, and whether it is fair. The lawyer then signs a certificate confirming you were advised. Without it, the agreement is far easier to attack later — which is why the other side's lawyer wants you to have it.

What I do. I read the whole document before we meet. In the meeting I go through it with you in plain language, flag anything that is unusual or unfavourable, and tell you whether I would sign it. If changes are needed, I will say so and, if you wish, negotiate them.

What I won't do. I will not simply sign a certificate. If I think an agreement is bad for you, I will tell you.

Fee and timing. ILA is done for a flat fee quoted in advance, usually in one appointment within the week. Bring the full agreement and your spouse's financial disclosure.