I believe the money goes, in part, to the surveyor and, in part, to the lawyer.
It was explained to me that it is a 3 step process. First, the surveyor does his work measuring the property, identifying the neighbors adjoining the property and informing them of your intent. The surveyor completes the application with his measurements. This information is submitted.
The second step is your assignment of a court date when a judge reviews the paperwork and anyone disputing your ownership of the property has an opportunity to be heard. The lawyer handles this portion of the deslinde.
If you pass that step successfully, you go to the third step where you await completion of your title.
I was told 6 - 9 months and my experience was 9 months. If the process takes longer than that, the surveyor may not have completed the paperwork and submitted it in a timely manner. Or, there was a problem when it was reviewed in court. Or, the lawyer has not followed through, picking up the final title or informing you that he/she has the title.
At least that is my understanding.
Lindsey