The certificate, explained
The independent legal advice certificate your lender is asking for.
If a lender has asked you for an ILA certificate, this is what it means, what it confirms, and how to get one — online, Australia-wide, usually the same day you book.
Definition
What the certificate actually is.
An independent legal advice certificate is a document produced by a qualified solicitor and addressed to the lender. It is issued for the lender’s benefit, and it confirms that a guarantor was properly advised before committing to a guarantee.
It is, in effect, an evidentiary document. If a dispute later arises — for example, if a guarantor argues they never understood what they signed — the certificate stands as proof that independent legal advice was given and understood at the time.
What the certificate confirms to the lender
- The solicitor is qualified and registered to practise law and give legal advice;
- The solicitor acts for the guarantor personally — not the lender or the borrower;
- The loan documents and guarantee have been fully reviewed;
- The guarantor was advised of their personal risks and obligations; and
- The guarantor understood that advice.
Why lenders insist on independence
The advice must come from a solicitor acting only for you. A lawyer who also acts for the borrower or the lender has a conflict, and the certificate would carry little weight. That independence is the whole point: it’s what makes the certificate reliable evidence that your decision was properly informed.
How it works with us
From request to certificate.
Send your documents
Get the loan and guarantee documents from your lender or broker and book online.
Meet by video
A short appointment where we review the documents and explain your obligations.
Certificate issued
Signed the same day — electronically, or wet-signed where your lender requires it.
Delivered as you direct
Sent to you, your broker or the lender, so settlement can proceed.
Common questions
About the certificate.
Is a “solicitor’s certificate” the same thing?
Yes — lenders use several names for the same document, including solicitor’s certificate and solicitor’s guarantee certificate. More on the terminology here.
Can you provide a wet-signed original?
Yes. Most lenders accept an electronically signed certificate, but where an original is required we can wet-sign and post it to you, your broker or the lender.
Do you also witness statutory declarations?
Where a lender requires the solicitor to witness a statutory declaration confirming the advice was given, we can do that as part of the appointment, including online via audio-visual link.
How long does the whole thing take?
The appointment itself is usually 30–45 minutes, and the certificate is issued the same day. Booking to certificate can often be done within a few hours.
How much does it cost?
A fixed $595 including GST, per guarantor, covering the document review, the appointment and the certificate. Where two people guarantee a loan, each needs their own.
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Ready when you are
Get your independent legal advice certificate today.
Have your documents ready and choose a time. Most certificates are issued the same day.