LAWCRESTRefinancing lawyer in Mississauga
Refinancing can help you access your home equity, consolidate debt, fund a renovation or move to a better mortgage. Lawcrest guides homeowners across Mississauga and the GTA through every legal step, so you understand the terms and complete your refinance safely and smoothly.
A refinance can involve significant penalties and fees. Have a lawyer review your lender commitment letter before you agree to it.
416-830-3369Refinance with confidence
Refinancing means replacing your current mortgage with a new one, often to borrow more against your home, change lenders or restructure your debt. It is a legal transaction: a new mortgage is registered on your title and the old one is discharged.
The terms of a refinance can affect your finances for years. A lawyer makes sure you understand them and that everything is done correctly.
We review the lender documents, explain what you are agreeing to in plain language, and handle the title work, registration and funding.
- HomeownersAccessing equity, consolidating debt or funding renovations.
- Couples and familiesBuying out a partner, or adding or removing someone from title.
- Borrowers with special lendersPrivate mortgages, second mortgages and credit lines.
Types of refinancing we handle
If your situation is not listed, call us. We will tell you plainly how we can help.
Carf-out refinancing
Borrowing against the equity in your home for a purpose such as an investment, education or a major expense.
Debt consolidation
Combining higher-interest debts into one mortgage payment.
Renovation financing
Funding home improvements with a new or larger mortgage.
Switching lenders
Moving your mortgage to a new lender, often at renewal, with the right legal steps.
Private and second mortgages
Mortgages from private lenders or second charges, which need especially careful review.
Home equity lines of credit
Lines of credit secured by your home, and the charges registered for them.
Buying out a spouse or co-owner
Refinancing so that one owner can keep the home after a separation or a change in ownership.
Changing names on title
Adding or removing someone from title, with the legal and tax effects explained.
When should you speak to a lawyer?
The earlier, the better. Most borrowers call us when they have a lender commitment, and the best time is before you sign.
- You have a commitment letterWe review the rate, term, fees and conditions before you accept.
- You are breaking your mortgage earlyWe help you understand the prepayment charge and your payout.
- Your spouse or partner is not on titleTheir signature or consent may still be required.
- You are using a private lenderThese loans can carry high costs and strict terms.
- You are separating or changing ownershipRefinancing may be part of a buyout or settlement.
- You are behind on mortgage paymentsActing early gives you more options.
How the refinance works
A clear process, with no surprises about where your refinance stands.
Review the commitment
We review your lender commitment letter and explain the key terms, costs and conditions.
Title search and requirements
We search title, check the lender requirements and identify any issues to deal with before closing.
Payout and discharge
We obtain the payout figures for your current mortgage and plan for its discharge.
Sign the documents
We explain each document and meet you to sign, in person or remotely where possible.
Registration and funding
We register the new mortgage, pay out the old one and any debts, and release the balance to you.
After closing
We send you a full report, and make sure your records and title insurance are in order.
Understanding the costs
A new mortgage is not just about the rate. We help you see the whole cost, so you can decide with confidence.
Legal feesDiscussed upfront
Our fees for reviewing the documents, searching title and registering the mortgage. We explain them before you commit.
Prepayment chargeCharged by your current lender
Ending a mortgage before the end of its term can involve a penalty. We help you read your mortgage and confirm the amount.
Lender and appraisal feesSet by the lender
Lenders may charge for an appraisal, administration or other items. These are set out in your commitment letter.
Registration and title insuranceGovernment and insurance costs
Fees to register the new mortgage, and a one-time title insurance premium that protects you against certain title problems.
Interest rate and termSet by you and your lender
We do not set rates, but we help you understand the terms, such as how the rate is calculated and what happens at renewal.
What we check for you
The details in the lender documents matter. These are some of the things we look at before you sign.
- Fees and penaltiesCosts for ending, changing or renewing the mortgage.
- Type of chargeWhether it is a standard or a collateral charge, which can affect switching later.
- Who must signSpouses, co-owners and guarantors, and whether independent legal advice is needed.
- Priority of chargesWhere the new mortgage ranks compared with other claims on the property.
- Private lender termsInterest, fees, renewal and default provisions that can be harsh.
- Fraud protectionVerifying identities and payment instructions so your money goes to the right place.
Behind on payments? Act early
If you fall behind on your mortgage, your lender can start enforcement steps, which in Ontario commonly means power of sale proceedings. Refinancing may help, but your options narrow as arrears grow and as notices are served.
Call us as soon as you are in trouble, and bring any letters you have received from your lender. We will explain your rights and the options available.
What to bring to your consultation
Do not worry if you do not have everything. Bring what you can, and we will tell you what else is useful.
- Your lender commitment letter
- Your current mortgage statement and lender details
- Government-issued photo ID
- Property tax bill and proof of home insurance
- Details of any debts you want to pay off
- A separation agreement or the names of other owners, if relevant
Why clients choose Lawcrest
You are trusting us with the financing of your home. This is how we earn that trust.
Plain-language advice
No jargon. You understand each step and each choice before we act.
Cost clarity
We discuss our fees at the start and help you see the full cost of the refinance.
Careful review
We read the fine print so you do not have to.
Confidential
What you tell us is protected by solicitor-client privilege.
Responsive
Your questions get answers, and you hear from us as your file moves.
Deadline discipline
We track every lender condition and closing date so nothing is missed.
Regulated lawyers
Lawcrest is a professional corporation regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Local and accessible
Meet us at our Matheson Blvd office in Mississauga, or arrange a call.
Frequently asked questions
Still not sure? Call 416-830-3369 and we will talk it through.
What is a refinance?
It is replacing your current mortgage with a new one, often to borrow more against your home, to change lenders or to restructure your debt. The new mortgage is registered on title and the old one is discharged.
How much can I borrow?
That depends on your lender, your income, your credit and the value of your home. Lenders usually limit borrowing to a share of the property value. We cannot set this, but we explain the terms of the offer.
Will I pay a penalty for breaking my mortgage?
Possibly. Many mortgages have a prepayment charge if you end them before the term is over. We help you read your mortgage and confirm the amount before you decide.
Do I need a lawyer to refinance?
Almost always yes. The new mortgage must be registered on title, and lenders normally require a lawyer to handle it. We also protect your interests.
How long does a refinance take?
It often takes a few weeks, depending on the lender, the paperwork and your situation. We keep you updated and move as quickly as we can.
Can I add or remove someone from title?
Yes, in many cases, but it has legal and sometimes tax effects, and the lender must usually agree. We explain the options and prepare the documents.
What is a collateral charge?
It is a type of mortgage security that can secure more than the loan amount. It can make switching lenders later more complicated or costly. We explain which type applies to you.
Is my information confidential?
Yes. Your communications with us are protected by solicitor-client privilege.
Testimonials
They made a complicated legal matter feel understandable. We always knew what was happening, why it mattered and what came next.
Carolean
Worker
We always knew what was happening, why it mattered and what came next. They made a complicated legal matter feel understandable.
Elena
Founder of a company
Lawcrest
@2026