Business Details
10 Years
experience
Trusted Alberta Real Estate Legal Services
Fee Simple Law is a specialized real estate law firm based in Lethbridge, Alberta, established in 2016 by lawyers Matthew McHugh and Michael Gabriel. We exclusively focus on residential real estate transactions, including purchases, sales, and refinances, serving clients across Alberta. Our team combines legal expertise with streamlined processes to deliver efficient, transparent, and client-centered services. We prioritize clear communication, fixed fee structures, and flexible virtual appointments to accommodate modern client needs.With a dedicated team of lawyers and conveyancing professionals, we ensure compliance with Alberta's land title regulations while maintaining a reputation for reliability and professionalism. Our approach emphasizes minimizing delays through proactive document preparation and personalized support, reflecting decades of combined experience in real estate law. We adhere to strict ethical standards, maintaining transparency in all transactions and fostering trust through consistent, high-quality service delivery.
Services
Residential Purchase
Property Refinance
Real Property Reports
Condominium Documentation
Title Insurance
Property Tax Adjustments
Estate Real Estate
Virtual Appointments
Land Title Registration
Mortgage Discharge
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- We exclusively specialize in Alberta residential real estate law with 8+ years of focused experience
- Our fixed fee structure provides transparent pricing for purchases, sales, and refinances
- Dedicated team handles complex transactions with efficient document preparation and review
- Virtual appointments available for properties province-wide with flexible scheduling
- Proven track record of minimizing delays through proactive communication and preparation
Services
Residential Purchase
Our residential purchase service guides clients through Alberta property acquisitions, handling legal documentation, mortgage registration, and title transfers. We coordinate with realtors and lenders to ensure compliance with land title regulations while maintaining transparent communication throughout the process. Our fixed-fee structure covers all standard transaction requirements for predictable costs.
Real Property Reports
We verify and process Real Property Reports (RPRs) with municipal compliance for property transactions, ensuring accurate boundary documentation and building code compliance. Our team explains RPR requirements, checks municipal compliance status, and addresses any deficiencies that could delay transactions, providing critical due diligence for buyers and sellers.
Property Tax Adjustments
We manage property tax prorations between buyers and sellers using official municipal certificates, calculating exact adjustments to the penny based on ownership dates. Our service ensures proper tax credit allocation, handles TIPP program considerations, and coordinates tax holdbacks when required by mortgage lenders for seamless transaction completion.
Virtual Appointments
Our virtual appointment system enables out-of-province clients to complete document signings via video conference, with secure document exchange and courier follow-up. This service maintains legal compliance through witnessed signatures while accommodating clients' geographic constraints and scheduling preferences without compromising transaction security.
Condominium Documentation
We process condominium documentation requirements for property transactions, explaining estoppel certificate requirements and reviewing condo bylaws, reserve funds, and special assessments. Our service identifies potential issues with pet restrictions, upcoming repairs, or financial obligations that could affect property value or ownership experience for informed client decision-making.
People
Matthew McHugh
Lawyer/Partner
Co-founder with extensive real estate law experience, specializing in residential transactions and efficient conveyancing processes since 2016.
Michael Gabriel
Lawyer/Partner
Co-founder focused on streamlining real estate legal services, combining technical expertise with client-centered transaction management since establishment.
Jonathan Suriano
Lawyer and Team Leader
Leads residential real estate team with specialization in complex property transactions and mortgage documentation compliance.
Lance Friesen
Lawyer and Team Leader
Specializes in wills and estate law while managing estate-related real property transactions within Alberta's regulatory framework.
Morley Dyck
Accounting & Finance - Team Leader
Manages financial aspects of transactions including tax adjustments, fund disbursements, and mortgage payout calculations.
Questions
What documents are required to start a real estate transaction?
We need property details, completion date, mortgage information, photo ID, and signed real estate contract. Our online intake form streamlines this process.
Can you act for both buyer and seller?
Yes, we can represent both parties unless the mortgage lender requires separate legal representation, ensuring transparent and coordinated transactions.
How are property tax adjustments calculated?
Taxes are prorated based on ownership duration using municipal certificates, with adjustments made to the penny on completion day.
What is required for virtual document signing?
We conduct video-conferenced signings with printed documents, requiring government-issued photo ID and follow-up courier delivery of original signed materials.
How do you handle agricultural land transactions?
We provide specialized support for agricultural properties with flexible hours and expedited processing to meet tight transaction timelines.
