OLAW helps people living in Canada handle legal matters that are based in Iran — remotely, and in coordination with lawyers licensed in Iran. If you or a client needs to resolve an inheritance case, a property matter, a mahrieh (dower) claim, a power of attorney, or a similar issue in Iran without traveling there, this page explains how that process generally works.
Who this is for
This page is written for two groups: Canadian residents of Iranian background who have a legal matter in Iran, and Canadian professionals — lawyers, accountants, immigration consultants, or realtors — whose clients occasionally run into an Iran-related legal question they can’t advise on directly. In both cases, the underlying need is the same: a reliable way to get a matter in Iran looked at and pursued by someone properly licensed there, without the client having to travel or navigate an unfamiliar system alone.
What OLAW helps with
- Powers of attorney issued from Canada for use in Iran
- Inheritance and estate matters (انحصار وراثت), including cases with heirs spread across multiple countries
- Mahrieh (dower) claims and related family-law matters in Iran
- Buying, selling, or transferring property in Iran, including inherited property
- Locating and recovering a debtor’s assets in Iran
- Iranian exit/travel bans — checking status and pursuing removal
- Contract disputes involving parties or property in Iran
A few Iran-related matters — like a divorce granted in Canada — also need separate recognition in Iran; see the page on divorce recognition in Iran for details. Some of the more specialized guides linked above are written in Persian, since that is the language most current clients search in; an initial consultation, however, can be conducted in English.
What OLAW does not do
OLAW is not a Canadian law firm and does not provide advice on Canadian law, immigration, or cross-border tax matters. If a client’s situation involves Canadian legal questions — family law, immigration status, or tax residency, for example — that part of the matter needs a lawyer or accountant licensed in Canada. OLAW’s role is limited to coordinating the Iran-side legal work with lawyers licensed to practice there.
How the process typically works
- You describe the matter and share whatever documents you already have (identity documents, a property deed, a marriage certificate, a court judgment — whatever is relevant).
- OLAW reviews the case and identifies which lawyer, in which jurisdiction inside Iran, is appropriate for the matter.
- If the case requires it, a power of attorney is prepared so the Iran-based lawyer can act on your behalf — this is usually arranged through the Iranian consulate in Canada or, where available, through Iran’s electronic authentication systems.
- The lawyer in Iran pursues the matter (through negotiation, a court filing, a land registry request, and so on) and reports on progress.
Timelines and outcomes depend on the specifics of each case — the court or registry involved, the cooperation of any other party, and the documentation available — so a realistic estimate is only possible after the matter has been reviewed.
For referring professionals
If you’re a lawyer, accountant, or advisor in Canada and a client mentions a legal issue back in Iran that falls outside your scope, you’re welcome to point them to OLAW for an initial review. OLAW does not provide Canadian legal advice and will not advise on matters that belong in your jurisdiction — the two roles stay separate.
Frequently asked questions
Does someone need to travel to Iran to resolve their case?
In most cases, no. With a properly prepared power of attorney, a lawyer in Iran can act on the client’s behalf.
Can OLAW advise on a Canadian legal or immigration question?
No. OLAW is not licensed to practice Canadian law and will refer that part of a matter back to a Canadian lawyer or the client’s existing counsel.
How is the client’s information kept confidential?
Case details are shared only with the lawyer in Iran handling the matter, on a need-to-know basis for that case.
Can OLAW guarantee an outcome or a timeline?
No. Every case depends on its own facts and on the decisions of the relevant Iranian courts or authorities; OLAW can only give a realistic assessment after reviewing the specifics.
To discuss a case, call +1 647 283 9003 or submit a consultation request in English or Persian.