Business Details
29 Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Sarnia for Real Estate & Estate Planning
Established in 1997, our firm has built a reputation as a trusted legal partner in Sarnia, Ontario. With over 25 years of combined experience, our team specializes in real estate transactions, estate planning, business law, and land development. We prioritize personalized service, offering two dedicated appointments for home buyers to ensure clarity and confidence throughout the process. Our expertise extends to corporate wills, guardianship applications, and commercial development projects across Southwestern Ontario. We maintain strong relationships with local professionals to provide comprehensive solutions tailored to each client's unique needs. 
Services
Real Estate Transactions
Wills & Estates
Business Law
Land Development
Powers of Attorney
Estate Administration
Business Purchases & Sales
Incorporation of Companies
Guardianship Applications
Refinancing Services
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- 25+ years of land development expertise in Lambton County
- Personalized two-appointment real estate process for better understanding
- Specialized corporate wills and estate tax planning services
- Comprehensive business law support including incorporations and sales
- Team with decades of combined local legal experience
Services
Real Estate Transactions
We specialize in residential and commercial real estate transactions, offering a unique two-appointment process to ensure client understanding. Our services include contract review, title registration, and mortgage refinancing. With extensive local knowledge, we guide clients through every step of property purchase or sale while protecting their legal interests.
Estate Planning
Our comprehensive estate planning services include customized wills, powers of attorney, and corporate wills to minimize tax implications. We help clients protect their assets and ensure their wishes are honored. With expertise in probate and estate administration, we provide ongoing support to estate trustees throughout the settlement process.
Business Law
We offer full-service business law support including company incorporations, purchase/sale agreements, and ongoing corporate maintenance. Our team collaborates with tax professionals to ensure optimal business structure and provides document preparation for annual compliance requirements. We protect client interests in commercial transactions through thorough contract review and drafting.
Land Development
With 25 years of experience in Lambton County, we guide developers through all stages from concept to completion. Our services cover zoning compliance, municipal approvals, and contract preparation for residential and commercial developments. We maintain strong relationships with local builders and authorities to streamline the development process for our clients.
Powers of Attorney
We prepare customized powers of attorney for financial and medical decisions, including specialized documents for specific transactions. These critical legal instruments are included in our estate planning packages to ensure clients' affairs can be managed according to their wishes during incapacity.
People
Francis E. De Sena
Lawyer
Founder of the firm with 30+ years practicing law in Sarnia. Specializes in estate planning and real estate law. Author of legal publications and former lecturer on wills and estates.
Martin B. Riley
Lawyer
Experienced attorney since 2015, specializing in business law and land development. Provides comprehensive legal support for commercial transactions and development projects across Southwestern Ontario.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialize in?
We focus on real estate transactions, estate planning, business law, land development, and powers of attorney. Our firm has particular expertise in local land development projects and complex estate matters.
How does your real estate process work?
We use a two-appointment system: an initial consultation to explain the process and costs, followed by a document signing appointment to ensure complete understanding before closing.
Do you handle out-of-town real estate transactions?
While we're based in Sarnia, we can assist with property transactions throughout Ontario through our network of legal professionals and electronic document systems.
What estate planning documents should I have?
Essential documents include a will, power of attorney for property, and power of attorney for personal care. We also recommend corporate wills for business owners to address share transfers.
How do you handle business incorporations?
We provide complete incorporation packages including articles, minute books, and seals. Our process includes collaboration with your tax advisor to ensure proper business structure and ongoing compliance support.
Can you assist with land development projects?
Yes, we've supported major residential and commercial developments in Southwestern Ontario for 25 years, handling everything from initial planning approvals to final documentation.
