Buying property is one of the most significant investments you'll ever make. The process can be exciting but also complex, especially with legal and financial intricacies to navigate. Whether you're purchasing your first home or adding to your real estate portfolio, hiring a real estate lawyer in Edmonton is essential to ensure the process goes smoothly and your interests are protected.
In this blog, we’ll explore why a real estate lawyer is vital when buying property, the benefits they bring, and how to find the best real estate lawyer in Edmonton for your needs. Understanding the Role of a Real Estate LawyerReal estate lawyers play a crucial role in ensuring a seamless property-buying experience. Here's what they do:
1. How much does a real estate lawyer in Edmonton charge? Legal fees vary depending on the complexity of the transaction. On average, fees range from $800 to $1,500. 2. Is a lawyer necessary for a cash purchase? Yes, even in cash purchases, a lawyer ensures proper title transfer and identifies any potential legal issues. 3. Can a real estate lawyer help resolve disputes during the transaction? Absolutely. A real estate lawyer can mediate disputes and provide expert solutions to protect your interests. Buying property is an exciting but complex process. Having a skilled real estate lawyer in Edmonton by your side ensures a smooth transaction, protects your investment, and gives you peace of mind. Whether you're buying your first home or a commercial property, the expertise of a lawyer is invaluable. Ready to make your property purchase stress-free? Consult the best real estate lawyer in Edmonton today for expert advice and comprehensive support.
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If you’ve ever been through a real estate transaction in Edmonton, you know that the process can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re buying your first home, selling a property, refinancing, or dealing with a commercial real estate deal, there are a lot of moving parts to manage. One of the most important steps in any real estate transaction is working with a real estate lawyer. But how much does this crucial service cost? In Edmonton, the cost of hiring a real estate lawyer can vary depending on the type of transaction you're involved in. Understanding the fees upfront can help you plan and budget accordingly, ensuring that there are no surprises along the way.
In this blog, we’ll break down the costs associated with hiring a real estate lawyer in Edmonton, explain the different types of real estate transactions that affect pricing, and help you understand what you’re paying for when you hire a lawyer to help with your real estate dealings. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, we’ve got the answers to the most common questions about real estate lawyer fees in the city. What is the standard fee for a real estate lawyer in Edmonton?When it comes to real estate transactions, many people wonder what they can expect to pay for legal services in Edmonton. At Salloum & Company, the rates are straightforward and clearly outlined, which means you won’t be hit with any surprise costs at the end of your transaction. Here’s a breakdown of our flat fees for the most common real estate services:
What’s the difference between a cash purchase and a mortgage purchase? If you’re purchasing a home or property, one of the main factors that will affect your legal fees is whether you’re buying with cash or with a mortgage. At Salloum & Company, we charge a flat rate of $749.00 + GST & disbursements for cash purchases, but if you’re purchasing with a mortgage, the fee increases to $999.00 + GST & disbursements. Why the difference? When you’re buying with cash, the process is relatively straightforward: the funds are transferred directly, and the transaction is completed without needing to involve a lender. On the other hand, if you’re using a mortgage, there are more steps involved, such as coordinating with your lender, reviewing the mortgage documents, ensuring that the bank’s interests are protected, and registering the mortgage against the title of the property. These extra steps require additional legal work, which is reflected in the slightly higher fee. Are there additional costs if I need to refinance my property? Refinancing your property is another scenario where you may need the services of a real estate lawyer. In Edmonton, refinancing fees typically cost $499.00 + GST & disbursements for a standard refinance, which includes handling one payout. A refinance involves changing the terms of your existing mortgage or taking out a new loan. Your lawyer’s role in a refinance is to ensure that all legal aspects are properly handled, including reviewing your new mortgage documents, registering the new mortgage with the land title office, and ensuring that your old mortgage is discharged properly. These are essential tasks that protect both you and your lender. If your refinance involves multiple payouts—meaning you have more than one mortgage or lien to pay off—the additional cost is $49.00 per payout. For example, if you have two mortgages that need to be paid off, you would pay an extra $98.00 in lawyer fees to cover the additional legal work involved in handling those payments. How does the sale of a property work with a real estate lawyer? Selling a property also requires legal assistance to ensure everything goes smoothly. Whether you’re selling your home, a commercial property, or an investment property, having a real estate lawyer can help you navigate the legal complexities of the sale. The standard fee for a sale transaction is $749.00 + GST & disbursements. This fee covers all the usual steps involved in selling a property, including reviewing and drafting the sale agreement, ensuring that the title is clear of any encumbrances, and handling the funds transfer. For example, when you sell a property, your lawyer will ensure that the buyer has made their payment, pay off any existing mortgage or liens on the property, and register the transfer of title with the appropriate authorities. Without a lawyer, there’s a risk that certain legal steps could be overlooked, which could lead to issues with the transaction down the line. Are there any hidden fees or additional costs I should be aware of? One of the great things about working with a real estate lawyer like Salloum & Company is that we offer flat fees, so you won’t encounter any hidden fees or surprise costs. However, as mentioned earlier, there are disbursements—costs that the lawyer incurs while handling your transaction. These typically include things like registration fees, title search fees, and courier charges, among others. While these disbursements are out of the lawyer’s control, they are generally modest and can be anticipated early in the process. A lawyer will always provide an estimate of disbursements at the beginning of your transaction so that you’re fully aware of what you’ll be paying. Real estate transactions can be tricky, but working with an experienced real estate lawyer in Edmonton can make all the difference. At Salloum & Company, we offer transparent, competitive flat fees for both residential and commercial real estate services. Whether you’re buying, selling, or refinancing a property, we’re here to provide the legal support you need to make your transaction as smooth and stress-free as possible. If you're ready to move forward with your real estate transaction, get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help. Let us take care of the legal details so that you can focus on what matters most—your property.
Child custody cases can be some of the most emotionally charged and complex legal matters that families face. In Alberta, the best interests of the child are the guiding principle in determining custody arrangements. Whether through mutual agreement or in the courts, decisions surrounding the care and upbringing of children are always made with their well-being as the top priority.
Parents navigating custody cases often find themselves overwhelmed by the process and unsure of what to expect, which is why understanding the factors considered by the courts can provide some clarity.In Alberta, custody can refer to both physical custody, which determines where the child lives, and legal custody, which involves decision-making power over the child’s upbringing, education, and health. Joint custody is often favoured, as it allows both parents to be involved in the child’s life, though in some situations, sole custody may be granted. When making decisions about custody, Alberta courts focus on the best interests of the child, evaluating a variety of factors to ensure the child’s safety, stability, and happiness. What is meant by “best interests of the child”? The "best interests of the child" is the central standard that Alberta courts use to make custody decisions. This principle ensures that the child’s emotional, psychological, and physical well-being is prioritized over all other factors, including the parents' desires. The court considers several aspects, such as the child's relationship with each parent, the child's needs, and each parent’s ability to provide for those needs. The goal is to create an environment that promotes the child's healthy development. How does the court evaluate the parent-child relationship? Courts in Alberta carefully evaluate the relationship each parent has with the child. Factors such as the emotional bonds, the role the parent has played in the child’s life, and the level of involvement in day-to-day activities are all considered. For instance, if one parent has historically been the primary caregiver, this may influence the court’s decision, as it reflects a consistent and stable presence in the child’s life. However, the court will also consider the child’s attachment to both parents and the potential impact of changes to their routine. What role does the child’s preferences play in custody decisions? In Alberta, while the court’s focus is always on the best interests of the child, the child’s own preferences can also play a role, particularly if the child is older. Children who are mature enough to express their thoughts may have their preferences taken into account, although the court will weigh these alongside other factors. However, the court will not base its decision solely on what the child wants, as it must still ensure the final arrangement is in the child's best interests. Can the parents’ conduct affect custody decisions? Yes, a parent’s conduct can significantly impact custody decisions. Alberta courts will examine any evidence of abuse, neglect, or harmful behaviour by either parent, as these can affect the child’s safety and emotional well-being. If one parent has a history of violence or substance abuse, this could result in limitations on their custody or access to the child. On the other hand, the court may also consider each parent’s ability to cooperate with one another in fostering a positive co-parenting relationship. How does the court address joint custody vs. sole custody? Joint custody is often encouraged in Alberta, as it promotes the involvement of both parents in raising the child. However, if the court believes joint custody is not in the child's best interest due to factors such as parental conflict or a parent’s inability to care for the child, it may grant sole custody. This means one parent will have primary responsibility for decision-making, though the other parent may still be granted access to maintain a relationship with the child. Navigating a child custody case can be challenging and stressful. At Salloum & Company, our experienced family lawyers are here to provide compassionate guidance and ensure the best possible outcome for you and your child. Contact us today to discuss your case and find out how we can help secure a bright future for your family. |
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January 2025
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