Business Details
29 Years
experience
Trusted Legal Services in Sarnia, Ontario
Established in 1997, Francis De Sena Law Offices has built a reputation as a trusted legal partner in Sarnia, Ontario. Our firm specializes in real estate transactions, estate planning, business law, and land development, serving clients across Southwestern Ontario. With over 25 years of experience in Lambton County, we provide expert legal guidance tailored to individual and corporate needs. Our team, led by seasoned professionals, emphasizes personalized service and comprehensive legal solutions. We prioritize client education through a two-appointment process for real estate transactions, ensuring clarity and confidence.Our expertise extends to complex estate administration, corporate incorporations, and land development projects, reflecting our deep industry knowledge. As a locally rooted firm, we combine decades of legal experience with a commitment to community-focused service. Our track record includes authoring authoritative works on estate planning and advising developers on major residential and commercial projects. We maintain rigorous compliance with legal standards while offering accessible, client-centric support. This dedication to excellence has solidified our position as a leading legal resource in the region.
Services
Real Estate
Wills
Powers of Attorney
Estate Administration
Land Development
Business Law
Guardianship Applications
Corporate Incorporation
Estate Planning
Business Purchase & Sale
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of land development expertise in Lambton County
- Our two-appointment real estate process ensures client understanding
- Francis De Sena has authored estate planning publications and lectured on wills
- We handle both buyer and seller representation in real estate transactions
- Specialized experience in corporate wills and tax-efficient share transfers
Services
Real Estate
Our real estate practice guides clients through home purchases and sales with a unique two-appointment process. We educate clients on responsibilities and costs during preliminary consultations, followed by document signing appointments. This approach ensures clients understand closing procedures and reduces transaction stress. Our firm uniquely represents both buyers and sellers in the same transaction, streamlining the process for all parties involved.
Estate Planning
We create customized wills that protect family interests while minimizing tax consequences for corporate shareholders. Our practice follows current legislation and Law Society standards, including specialized corporate will drafting. With extensive experience in estate administration, we provide step-by-step guidance for trustees navigating probate, court documentation, and banking matters following a loved one's passing.
Land Development
For 25 years, we've supported land developers and builders across Southwestern Ontario, transforming concepts into shovel-ready projects. Our services cover residential subdivisions, commercial parks, and industrial developments from planning through completion. We provide expert legal advice that addresses zoning, permits, and regulatory requirements to ensure successful project execution in Lambton County and surrounding areas.
Business Law
Our business law practice assists with purchases, sales, and incorporations. We advise on transaction structuring, draft/review agreements, and create comprehensive incorporation packages including Articles, Minutebooks, and ongoing compliance support. We collaborate with tax professionals to ensure optimal business organization and long-term operational success for our corporate clients.
Powers of Attorney
We prepare financial and medical powers of attorney as part of our will package, with options for single-purpose documents like property sales. Our legal instruments ensure clients' wishes are protected during incapacity while maintaining compliance with Ontario's legislative requirements for legal validity and enforceability.
People
Francis E. De Sena
Lawyer
Francis De Sena founded the firm in 1997 after graduating from Osgoode Hall Law School. With over 30 years of legal experience, he specializes in estate planning, authoring related publications and lecturing on wills and estates. A Sarnia native, he provides expert legal counsel to local businesses and residents.
Martin B. Riley
Lawyer
Martin Riley joined the firm in 2015 after completing his articles here. A Sarnia native, he graduated from the University of Windsor's law school and brings contemporary legal expertise to our practice. He focuses on real estate transactions and corporate law while maintaining the firm's tradition of personalized client service.
Joseph A. Farina
Retired Lawyer
Joseph Farina practiced law in Sarnia for 37 years before retiring in 2016. The firm continues to serve his clients and maintain wills and powers of attorney for his former clientele. His long-standing community presence contributed significantly to the firm's reputation during his active practice.
Questions
What legal services do you specialize in?
We specialize in real estate transactions, estate planning, business law, land development, and powers of attorney. Our practice also includes guardianship applications and corporate incorporations.
How long have you served the Sarnia community?
Our firm has operated in Sarnia since 1997, with founder Francis De Sena practicing law locally since 1991. We've provided legal services to Lambton County residents for over 25 years.
What makes your real estate process different?
We use a two-appointment system: an initial consultation to explain costs and responsibilities, followed by document signing. This approach ensures clients understand the closing process and reduces transaction stress.
Do you handle both residential and commercial developments?
Yes, we provide legal services for both residential subdivisions and commercial/industrial developments throughout Southwestern Ontario, supporting projects from planning to completion.
How do you assist with estate administration?
We guide estate trustees through probate processes, court documentation, and banking matters. Our experience helps executors navigate estate settlement requirements following a loved one's passing.
