Pricing transparency

Understanding Disbursements

Disbursements are third-party costs your lawyer covers on your behalf during your real estate transaction, then passes on to you.

What are disbursements?
When your lawyer completes your transaction, they pay certain government fees, search costs, and other third-party charges on your behalf. These amounts are then included in your final statement. Unlike legal fees, disbursements are set by outside parties — not your lawyer — so they can vary slightly depending on your property and transaction type.

Title Search Costs

Fees for verifying the property's legal ownership history and any existing liens or encumbrances on title.

Registration Costs

Government fees for officially recording your property ownership or mortgage with the provincial land registry.

Execution Search Fees

Government charges for checking whether there are any outstanding legal claims or judgments against the parties in the transaction.

Transaction Levy Surcharge

A fee imposed by regulatory bodies such as the Law Society of Ontario on certain real estate transactions.

Title Insurance

Protection against potential issues with your property's title, ensuring you own it free and clear of undisclosed claims or defects.

Software Transaction Fee

Fees for the specialized legal software used to prepare, manage, and digitally sign the documents required for your transaction.

Other Disbursements

May include banking and wire transfer charges, identity verification fees, and file storage costs.

See your disbursements upfront

Your itemized quote includes an estimate of disbursements specific to your transaction — no surprises at closing.

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