Whether you are buying your first home, resolving a boundary dispute, or navigating Quebec's unique civil-law framework, our dedicated team at Square Property Law stands beside you at every step.
Protect your property rights todayWe begin with a focused 30-minute call or meeting to understand your situation. There is no charge for this first conversation, and you are under no obligation to proceed. We listen carefully, identify the legal issues involved, and give you an honest assessment of your options under Quebec civil law.
Before any work begins, we present a clear written strategy with a detailed fee estimate. You will know exactly what each phase costs and how long it should take. We offer flat-rate packages for routine transactions such as title searches and residential closings, and hourly arrangements for litigation matters.
Our team conducts thorough title examinations, reviews municipal zoning records, verifies cadastral boundaries, and drafts or reviews all necessary contracts. In dispute cases, we gather evidence, interview witnesses, and prepare court filings with meticulous attention to procedural requirements.
Most property disputes can be resolved through skilled negotiation, saving you the time and expense of a full hearing. When court proceedings are unavoidable, we represent you with confidence before the Superior Court of Quebec, the Régie du logement, or any relevant tribunal.
We do not disappear after the deal closes or the judgment is rendered. We ensure title registrations are completed correctly, funds are disbursed on schedule, and any post-closing obligations are met. You receive a complete digital file of every document for your records.
Quebec's civil-law system creates unique property rules that differ significantly from the rest of Canada. We focus exclusively on property-related matters so our advice is always current and precise.
From offer review through to notarial closing, we manage every legal aspect of your home transaction. We draft and negotiate purchase agreements, coordinate with mortgage lenders, conduct title searches in the Quebec Land Registry, and ensure the deed of sale meets all Civil Code requirements.
Encroachments, shared driveways, rights of way, and servitude disagreements are among the most common property conflicts in Montréal. We combine cadastral survey analysis with strong advocacy to resolve these matters efficiently, whether through mediation or litigation.
Planning to subdivide a lot, convert a duplex to a triplex, or develop a commercial project? We navigate municipal zoning by-laws, variance applications, and environmental compliance so your plans move forward without costly delays or refusals.
Divided and undivided co-ownerships come with complex governance rules under Quebec law. We advise syndicates and individual co-owners on declarations, by-law amendments, special assessments, and disputes between neighbours within a building.
A hidden lien or unresolved legal hypothec can derail a sale or refinancing. We investigate title chains, negotiate lien discharges, and pursue judicial remedies when necessary to clear your property of encumbrances.
Whether you are a landlord seeking to recover unpaid rent or a tenant contesting an illegal eviction, we represent your interests before the Tribunal administratif du logement. We handle lease drafting, non-renewal notices, and damage claims with equal rigour.
Quebec operates under the Civil Code rather than common law. This means property rights, mortgage structures (called hypothecs), and land registration follow a distinct framework. For example, Quebec uses a land register system administered by the Registre foncier du Québec, and property transfers must be executed before a notary to be valid. These differences make it essential to work with a lawyer who practises specifically within Quebec's civil-law tradition.
A legal hypothec is a charge that certain parties — such as contractors, co-owners' syndicates, or municipalities — can register against your property without your consent. Construction hypothecs are the most common: if a contractor or subcontractor is unpaid, they may register a hypothec within 30 days of the end of work. Ignoring it can lead to forced sale. We help property owners verify whether hypothecs exist and take steps to have them discharged or contested.
Most residential transactions close within 60 to 90 days from the accepted offer. The exact timeline depends on financing conditions, inspection results, and any title issues that surface during our due diligence. Our team begins working immediately upon engagement so that potential problems are identified early, reducing the risk of last-minute delays.
In Quebec, the notary authenticates the deed of sale and ensures formal compliance, but a notary acts as an impartial officer and cannot advocate for either party. A lawyer reviews the transaction from your perspective, negotiates contract terms in your favour, identifies risks the notary may not flag, and represents you if a dispute arises. The two roles are complementary, not interchangeable.
We offer flat-rate packages for standard residential purchases that include contract review, title search, lien verification, and closing coordination. The exact amount depends on the property value and complexity. During our initial conversation, we provide a written quote so you know the cost before committing. There are no hidden charges — disbursements such as registry fees are itemised separately and explained in advance.
Every property situation is unique. Tell us a little about yours and we will respond within one business day with an honest assessment and a clear outline of next steps.