Real Estate Lawyer for Mortgage Refinancing in Ontario

Flat-fee legal services for Ontario homeowners refinancing their mortgage. Transparent pricing, personal attention, and no surprises at closing.

  • Flat legal fee of $1,675 + HST, no hidden office charges

  • Personal file review by Diane Ulman on every transaction

  • Virtual and in-person closings available across Ontario

  • Clear written quote provided after every consultation

What We Do For You

Refinancing your mortgage is often more straightforward than a purchase or sale, but it still requires a lawyer to discharge your existing mortgage, register the new one, and make sure everything is properly documented with your lender.

At Dwell Law we handle your refinance efficiently and keep you informed throughout. Your file is reviewed personally by Diane Ulman from start to finish. Not passed to a clerk, not processed by a platform.

What Is Included in Every Refinance

Every residential refinance at Dwell Law includes:

  • Discharge of your existing mortgage or HELOC

  • Review and execution of new mortgage instructions from your lender

  • Title search and due diligence on the property

  • Registration of the new mortgage on title

  • Coordination with your lender and mortgage broker

  • Remote signing and virtual appointments available

  • Clear, ongoing communication throughout your file

Our Pricing

You may have seen law firms advertising $899 or $999 refinances. What those prices rarely include are disbursements, the actual out-of-pocket costs that every refinance requires regardless of which lawyer you use. At Dwell Law our legal fee is transparent and all-in, with no hidden office charges. We do not bill extra for courier fees, printing, or administrative tasks.

Our flat legal fee for a standard residential refinance is $1,675 + HST, which includes legal work to discharge one existing mortgage or HELOC.

Additional legal work may be required if your refinance involves a private lender or the closing is occurring in less than two weeks. We are happy to provide a tailored quote if either applies.

What you pay Dwell Law: $1,675 + HST. All-in, no surprises.

What every Ontario home sale requires regardless of your lawyer:

These are government-mandated and third-party costs that are the same no matter which lawyer you use. They are not Dwell Law charges. They are paid to the government, your title insurer, and service providers on your behalf:

  • Government registration fee, approximately $85

  • Title insurance, approximately $100 to $400 based on property type, location, and mortgage principal

  • Ministry search fees, approximately $50 to $100 depending on the complexity of the property

  • Electronic ID verification, $27.50 + HST per homeowner and consenting spouse if applicable (this reflects our current provider rate; fees vary by law firm)

After your free consultation you will receive a clear, itemised quote by email so you know exactly what your closing will cost before you commit. No surprises, no hidden fees.

Who We Work With

  • Homeowners switching lenders at renewal to secure a better rate

  • Homeowners accessing equity for renovations, investments, or debt consolidation

  • Homeowners adding or removing a person from the mortgage

  • Clients with tight closing timelines requiring efficient turnaround

  • Clients refinancing with a private lender

Frequently Asked Questions

Not sure where to start with the legal side of your refinance? Diane is available for a free 15-minute consultation before you commit to anything. There is no obligation and no pressure. Just clear answers about the legal process so you know exactly what to expect.

Do I need a lawyer to refinance my mortgage in Ontario? Yes. In Ontario a lawyer is required to discharge your existing mortgage and register the new one on title. Your lender will send mortgage instructions directly to your lawyer, who handles all the legal documentation on your behalf.

What is the difference between a mortgage broker and a real estate lawyer in a refinance? Your mortgage broker finds and arranges your new mortgage product. Your lawyer handles the legal side, including discharging the old mortgage, reviewing the new mortgage instructions, and registering everything correctly on title. Both are required and work together to complete your refinance.

How long does a refinance take? Most refinances close within a few weeks of your lawyer receiving mortgage instructions from your lender. If you have a tight timeline, let us know upfront and we will do everything we can to accommodate your closing date.

Why is title insurance cheaper on a refinance than a purchase? Title insurance on a refinance is lower because it covers only the lender's interest in the property rather than a full ownership transfer. Most refinances cost between $100 and $400 for title insurance, compared to $600 to $1,500 on a purchase.

Can I sign my refinance documents remotely? Yes. Dwell Law offers virtual appointments and remote signing so you can complete your refinance from anywhere in Ontario.

WHAT OUR CLIENT’S SAY

We had Diane help us with the closing of our mortgage and I can not tell you what a pleasure she was to work with. Diane made the whole process easy and straightforward. Highly recommend.We had Diane help us with the closing of our mortgage and I can not tell you what a pleasure she was to work with. Diane made the whole process easy and straightforward. Highly recommend.
— G • Burlington, ON

Ready to move forward? Book your free 15-minute consultation and receive a clear written quote by email.