FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

i can't take time off work. How do i sign documents?

Fortunately, our office offers remote signing as our primary method of signing documents. This means you can sign your documents from your phone or laptop as long as you have email access and are available to meet us over videocall. ​

What are the different ways i can take title?

There are three ways in which you can register title. 
1. Registered Owner (when there is only one owner)
2. Joint Tenants
3. Tenants in Common

What is the difference between joint tenants and tenants in common?

Joint tenancy is when two or more people own a property together, each having 100% ownership with the right of survivorship. This means that if one owner passes away, the other owners automatically continue to own the entire property.
It’s a common choice for married couples, since they usually name each other as beneficiaries in their wills.
However, joint tenancy can have downsides. Because every owner is considered to own the whole property, if one person has debts or legal issues, their creditor could make a claim against the entire property — even though the other owners aren’t involved.
An easy way to picture it is to imagine a cake being held by five people. Everyone’s hands are under the cake together. If one person lets go, the others still hold up the whole cake. That’s how joint tenancy works — ownership stays whole, not divided.

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Tenants in common is another way for two or more people to own property together — but each person owns a specific share (for example, 50/50 or 70/30). Unlike joint tenancy, there is no right of survivorship. When one owner passes away, their share goes to the person named in their will or estate, not automatically to the other co-owners.
This type of ownership is often used between friends, business partners, or family members who buy property together but want to keep their shares separate. It can also be helpful for estate planning when each person wants control over what happens to their portion of the property.
Think of it like a cake that’s cut into slices. Each person owns their slice, and they can decide who gets it after they’re gone. That’s how tenants in common works — ownership is divided, not shared as a whole.

What is a status Certificate?

​If you’re buying a condo, the status certificate shows the financial and legal health of the condominium corporation. We review it to make sure there are no red flags.

What is title insurance and do i need it?

​Yes — title insurance protects you from potential issues such as fraud, liens, unpaid taxes, or title defects that could affect your ownership. It’s a one-time cost paid on closing. ​

WHen do i get my sale proceeds?

​In most cases, you’ll receive your sale proceeds on the day of closing, once the buyer’s lawyer has delivered all required documents and funds. If funds are received later in the day or additional payments need to clear first, our office will release your funds as soon as possible once everything is confirmed and processed.

What documents do i need to sell my house?

You’ll need your property tax bill, mortgage statement, identification, and any relevant agreements (e.g., rental contracts for water heaters or furnaces).

What happens during a refinance?

Your lawyer prepares the new mortgage, pays off the old one, ensures the title is clear, and transfers any remaining funds to you.

What is Spousal consent?

Spousal consent is a legal requirement under Ontario law when a matrimonial home is being sold, mortgaged, or transferred. Even if only one spouse’s name appears on the title, the other spouse must provide written consent before the transaction can take place.