IMPORTANT UPDATES
We'd like to share some important facts to know about document signing and closing processes of purchasing, refinancing or selling your home.
CAN I STILL VIDEO CONFERENCE WITH YOU?
Yes, you can in some instances. Currently the Law Society of Alberta is allowing lawyers to verify your identification by both video conference and via a third party identification verification process. ​
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To sign virtually, you must have access to a printer to print the required documents (which are often between 40 and 120 pages) and a computer or smartphone with a camera and microphone that is connected to the internet.
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Please also note that the documents that are sworn in via video conference STILL REQUIRE the original "wet ink" document to be provided to the lawyer for submission to the Land Titles Office PRIOR to the closing date. We cannot close without the original documents. Drop-off at the office must be arranged either in-person or via courier.
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Lastly, not every mortgage lender is allowing this form of signing. Some no longer allow this, some only allow it if the signing still occurs in Canada, some only allow it in some cases like medical emergencies, and some allow it in all cases. Please check with either your mortgage broker or our office to confirm if this is permitted, should you require this type of signing.
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At this time our office is only permitting virtual signings if you are outside of Calgary prior to your home's possession day.
CAN I STILL MEET IN-PERSON?
Yes, but you'll need to book an appointment with us in advance. We do not currently accept walk=ins.
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Typically, we will be in touch with you within a few weeks of your possession to book your signing appointment. If you are meeting with us for a real estate purchase, we will require your mortgage instructions from your chosen lender to be received before we can book the signing appointment. We cannot book tentative appointments. Please ensure you are following up with your mortgage professional to facilitate the sending of these instructions to our office in a timely manner.
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Lastly, only individuals that are on the required legal documents should attend the appointment unless you require a translator or assistance.​​
WHAT ABOUT MY WILL OR ESTATE DOCUMENTS?
At this time, we are not offering virtual signings for wills or estate documents. Much of our preparation for these kinds of documents can be done via email or phone call, but the signing of the original documents must be in person.
HOW DO I TRANSFER PAYMENTS?
You will still need to bring a bank draft to our office or deposit the draft into our trust account for any funds required to be provided on closing. Please make arrangements with your bank to obtain a draft. We will provide trust account details for a direct deposit upon request. Bank drafts can also be dropped off at our office anytime after we provide you with the required amount including up to the day prior to closing. They do not need to be brought to the signing appointment, if this is not possible.
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Unfortunately, we cannot accept credit card payments, personal cheques or certified cheques at this time. We can accept e-transfers for amounts under your bank's e-transfer limit, which for many people is between $3,000 and $10,000 per day.
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Please note we can accept multiple bank drafts or multiple e-transfers, up to 3 drafts or transfers. However, these transfers or drafts MUST come from one of the purchasing parties or a joint account. If the funds are coming from a different party or account, please discuss this with us prior to bringing the draft or making the transfer, as we may not be able to accept those payments.
HOME LEGAL FAQS
Purchasing your home does not need to be complicated. It’s important to us at Boyce Law that we keep you informed and educated, so you can feel more engaged and confident with the home buying process.

WHY DO I NEED A LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE WHEN PURCHASING A HOME?
Many homebuyers are not aware that they require legal assistance to complete their purchase, sale or to refinance their home. In addition to providing the registration and notarization services required for the closing documents, at Boyce Law, we strive to simplify the process for you and ensure open communication to provide you with the best legal closing experience.
WHAT ARE YOUR CLOSING SERVICES OFFERED?
At Boyce Law, our legal closing services cover the following items.
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Our trusted Legal Expertise to close your home smoothly and efficiently;
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Commitment and Dedication to your home transaction behind the scenes;
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Arranging for new or updated Real Property Reports (for resale residential real estate only); and
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Title Insurance Policies for both the Homeowner and Lender providing additional peace of mind and closing protection against matters such as identity theft and mortgage fraud.
WHAT EXACTLY ARE "LEGAL FEES" AND HOW MUCH DO THEY TYPICALLY COST?
Legal closing fees are the costs for providing legal expertise, the preparation and processing of the necessary documents for your closing and to provide legal services to handle any issues that may arise during the completion of your closing. For an average real estate purchase in Alberta, the legal fees are typically $1000 – $1500, depending on the complexity of the matter, and may be more depending on what is required.
WHAT ARE "DISBURSEMENTS" AND WHAT DO THEY INCLUDE?
These are third-party costs that are incurred during the preparation and registration of your real estate conveyancing matter. They include things such as couriers, title searches, tax searches, administrative costs, and registration fees at the land titles office (for example, for your title transfer and mortgage registration). These often cost between $1400 – $1800 for the average Alberta home purchase transaction. However, please note that some fees are calculated on a sliding scale based on the value of the property or registered mortgage amount, and some matters may require more disbursements than others, so the total value of disbursements will vary from matter to matter.