Document Drafting

Why You Shouldn’t Draft Legal Documents Yourself

In Ontario, legal documents submitted to courts, tribunals, government agencies, and institutions must meet strict formal requirements. Incorrect wording, missing elements, or improper structure can result in documents being rejected — or worse, used against you.

At ND Paralegal Services, every document we draft is tailored to your specific facts and circumstances, uses language that meets Ontario legal standards, and is reviewed for completeness before it is finalized and signed.

  • DIY or Generic Templates: Generic templates found online are rarely tailored to Ontario law, often miss jurisdiction-specific requirements, and can be challenged or rejected by courts, tribunals, or government bodies.
  • Incomplete or Vague Language: Ambiguous wording in affidavits, declarations, or agreements can create loopholes, undermine your legal position, or cause your document to be inadmissible.
  • Professional Drafting by ND Paralegal: Every document is drafted specifically for your situation, uses accurate legal language, meets Ontario court and tribunal requirements, and is ready to notarize in the same appointment.
  • Reviewed Before You Sign: We walk through each document with you before signing to ensure everything is accurate, complete, and clearly reflects your intentions and the facts of your situation.

Affidavits

A sworn written statement of facts, signed in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths or Notary Public, used as evidence in legal proceedings.

Statutory Declarations

A formal declaration made under Ontario or federal statute, used where the law requires a sworn statement in lieu of an affidavit.

Demand Letters

A formal written demand requiring a party to fulfill a legal obligation — pay a debt, honour a contract, or cease a damaging action — before legal proceedings are initiated.

Agreements & Contracts

Legally binding written agreements between two or more parties, drafted to clearly define obligations, rights, and remedies in case of breach.

Consent & Authorization Letters

Formal notarized letters granting consent or authorization for specific legal purposes — including travel consent, medical consent, and third-party authorizations.

Immigration Support Documents

Supporting documents for IRCC applications and IRB proceedings, including letters of invitation, sponsor declarations, and affidavits of support.

LTB & Rental Documents

Documents supporting Landlord and Tenant Board applications and hearings, including eviction notices, maintenance requests, and supporting affidavits.

Small Claims Court Documents

Pleadings, affidavits, and supporting documents for Small Claims Court proceedings — from plaintiff’s claims to defence documents and supporting evidence.

Notarial Certificates & Declarations

Specialized certificates and declarations requiring the authority of a licensed Notary Public, for domestic and international legal purposes.

Who Comes to Us for Document Drafting

01

Individuals

People navigating legal processes who need documents drafted correctly the first time — without hiring a full-service lawyer.

02

Small Businesses

Business owners who need service agreements, demand letters, or Small Claims documents drafted quickly and affordably.

03

Landlords & Tenants

Parties involved in LTB proceedings who need affidavits, notices, or supporting documents prepared for their hearing.

04

Newcomers to Canada

Immigrants and refugees who require sworn documents, declarations, or supporting materials for IRCC applications or IRB hearings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Document drafting is the preparation of the actual legal text — writing out the content of an affidavit, agreement, or declaration. Notarization (or commissioning) is the separate step of having an authorized official witness your signature and certify the document. We offer both services and can handle both in the same appointment for most documents.

No. Licensed paralegals in Ontario may draft documents within the authorized scope of paralegal practice — including affidavits, statutory declarations, Small Claims documents, LTB applications, demand letters, and immigration support documents. Paralegals cannot draft wills, mortgages, real estate transfers, or other documents that fall exclusively within the scope of a licensed lawyer. We will advise you clearly if your matter requires a lawyer.

It depends on the complexity of the document. Simple affidavits or statutory declarations can often be drafted, reviewed, and signed in a single appointment. More complex agreements or court documents may require one to two business days for drafting, followed by a review appointment. We’ll give you a realistic timeline at your consultation.

Yes. If you have a draft document you’d like reviewed, corrected, and finalized, we can review it for legal sufficiency, make necessary amendments, and then notarize or commission it. This is often more efficient and cost-effective than starting from scratch. Contact us to arrange a document review consultation.

For straightforward documents — affidavits, declarations, consent letters, demand letters — yes, same-day service is usually available. Come prepared with the relevant facts and your photo ID, and we can typically draft, review, sign, and notarize in a single visit. For more complex matters, contact us ahead of time so we can prepare.

We recommend booking an appointment to ensure availability and to give us time to prepare for your specific needs. Walk-ins are welcome when our schedule allows, but an appointment guarantees your time slot and a faster, more prepared service. You can reach us by phone at 416-624-7011 or by email at info@ndlaw.ca.