Real EstateLawyer referralReal estate disputes and litigation
Quieting of titles application
Asks the court to declare who owns a parcel when title is unclear because of old, lost or conflicting records.
Most claims in Ontario must be started within two years of when the problem was discovered, and some steps, such as construction liens, have much shorter deadlines. Ontario Done by an Ontario lawyer, by referral
What is included
Reviews the agreement, title, correspondence and evidence
Explains your rights, the possible remedies and the limitation periods that apply
Sends or responds to demand letters and tries to negotiate a resolution
Registers or challenges a certificate of pending litigation or a lien where appropriate
Starts or defends the court proceeding and represents you through it, as agreed
What is not included
Land transfer tax, registration fees, title insurance premiums and other disbursements
Home inspections, surveys and appraisals
Disputes or lawsuits arising from the deal, unless the lawyer agrees to act
Work by NEO Legal Services: NEO is a paralegal firm and only makes the referral
Who this service is for
Buyers or sellers when a deal fails to close
Owners in disputes with neighbours, builders, co-owners or agents
Lenders and borrowers in a mortgage default
Commercial landlords and tenants in a lease dispute
Information to have ready
1The agreement of purchase and sale, lease or other contract
2All correspondence with the other party, agents and lenders
3Photos, inspection reports, surveys or other reports
4A timeline of what happened and any money paid or lost
How a referral works
1Tell us in a few words what the matter is about, and who else is involved, so we can check for a conflict of interest.
2We recommend an Ontario lawyer for your matter, and at least one other you could choose instead.
3The lawyer runs their own conflict check, confirms the scope and quotes the fee, normally in a written retainer agreement.
4You pay the lawyer's fee to the lawyer. Any referral fee comes out of it, is disclosed to you in writing, and never increases what you pay.
Lawyers usually charge $350–$650/hr for this kind of work, by the hour. The lawyer quotes the actual rate and an estimate. You pay the lawyer directly; the referral itself costs you nothing.
When should I contact a lawyer?+
Ideally before you sign an offer, so the lawyer can review the conditions. At the latest, as soon as the agreement is signed.
What is title insurance?+
It is a policy that protects against certain title problems, such as fraud or some survey issues. The lawyer can explain what it covers and whether it suits your deal.
Can the same lawyer act for the buyer and the seller?+
Usually not. The Law Society's rules generally prevent one lawyer from acting for both sides of a property sale, with limited exceptions.
General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Important limitations
No closing can be guaranteed if the other side or a lender does not perform
Problems found late, such as title or survey issues, may delay closing
The work is limited to the scope the lawyer confirms in writing