What’s the role of my lawyer on closing day?
What really happens on closing day? Your lawyer runs the show — and here’s exactly what they do.
Quick answer
Your lawyer handles the legal and financial switch that moves ownership from seller to buyer. On closing day the lawyer performs final searches, verifies funds, registers the transfer, disburses money from trust, and delivers clear title. In short: they make the sale final and legally safe.
The lawyer’s role on closing day — step by step
- Final title searches and lien checks: They confirm there are no new claims or liens since signing.
- Review and explain closing documents: They walk you through the Statement of Adjustments, mortgage paperwork, and transfer documents.
- Receive and hold funds: Your lawyer accepts the buyer’s mortgage funds and any wired cash into a trust account.
- Register documents: They register the deed and mortgage with the land registry to make the transfer official.
- Pay off existing charges: If the seller has a mortgage or liens, the lawyer pays them from trust funds so the title is clean.
- Issue title insurance and deliver keys: They ensure title insurance is in place (if needed) and confirm who gets possession.
These tasks reduce risk, prevent surprises, and guarantee the legal transfer is recorded correctly.
What the buyer and seller must do on closing day
- Buyer: confirm wire details with your lawyer well before closing, bring government ID, and have home insurance ready. Do a final walk-through to confirm property condition.
- Seller: confirm payoff figures and provide any required documentation. Leave keys and garage openers as agreed.
- Both: sign the documents the lawyer prepares and stay reachable until funds have cleared.
Tip: always confirm wiring instructions by phone with your lawyer. Phishing attacks target real estate closings.
Common issues a lawyer solves on closing day
- Missing signature or incorrect dates
- Last-minute liens from contractors
- Discrepancies in the Statement of Adjustments
- Delayed mortgage funds
A competent lawyer spots these early, negotiates solutions, and protects your funds in their trust account.
How to choose and use your closing lawyer effectively
- Hire a lawyer experienced in real estate closings and local registration rules.
- Send documents early: it speeds up review and avoids last-minute delays.
- Ask for a written estimate of closing costs and the Statement of Adjustments ahead of time.
Actionable checklist before closing day:
- Confirm wiring instructions by phone with your lawyer.
- Provide ID and proof of insurance (buyer).
- Review the Statement of Adjustments the day before.
- Be ready to sign and stay available for 2–3 hours.
Final note
Your lawyer is the safety net on closing day. They protect your money, clear title issues, and register ownership. If you want a smooth closing, treat your lawyer as the lead—not an afterthought.
For expert, local help with the closing process in Toronto, contact Tony Sousa — local realtor and negotiator: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
