Family Law Fees
Legal costs vary drastically depending on the process you use and the amount of time your lawyer spends. Several factors may affect legal costs: number and complexity of issues to be resolved, level of conflict between spouses and willingness to cooperate, clients' needs. It is impossible to provide an accurate estimate of how much it will cost from start to finish.
Our goal is to provide fairness and transparency in our billing process. You will know what to expect from the start to the final settlement of your case. We will offer a combination of hourly billing and fixed fee whenever possible to reduce your financial burden. Disbursements are another component of legal costs. These may include court filing fees, court reporter, process server, expert reports. We will always keep you informed of these expenses to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Retainer Fees
Retainer fees are based on an hourly rate of the lawyer or law clerk and charged at six minute increments. Current hourly rates are as follows:
- lawyer $275/hour*
- law clerk $130/hour*
You will be asked to pay a retainer deposit to our trust account. The amount of deposit depends on the nature of work and urgency of the matter. Typical minimum amounts of retainer deposits are:
- for out-of-court matters and limited scope retainer from $1,500
- for matters in court from $3,500
Payment Plans
We offer interest-free payment plans, whereby you can pay for legal services in instalments rather than in a lump sum. Contact us to work out a suitable solution.
Fixed Fee Options
We offer several flat fee options for family law matters, such as domestic contract drafting (marriage/prenup contract, separation agreement) and uncontested divorce. Please see rates below.
Unbundled Legal Services
Limited scope retainer (also known as "unbundled legal services") is an affordable alternative to traditional retainer fee structure and it can be used even in family law litigation. It means that we provide services for a part of your case instead of all of your legal matter, and you decide what to pay for.
We do not accept Legal Aid certificates at this time.
Flat Fee Options
* HST is extra. Domestic contract drafting and independent legal advice fees may vary depending on quantity and complexity of issues covered by the contract (advice). Litigation and negotiations are not included and will be charged extra at request.
Uncontested or Joint Divorce $899 (court fees are extra)*
Divorce in Ontario is granted by a court order. Uncontested or joint divorce is a cost-effective solution for couples who agree to end their marriage quickly and stress-free.
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Check your eligibility for uncontested divorce
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Prepare and file documents with the court
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Only if both parties agree. Any contested or corollary issues are not covered
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International service and divorce certificate would be extra
Marriage/Prenuptial or Separation Agreement from $1,299*
Great value option for a couple who are able to negotiate and come to an agreement in principle.
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Initial meeting and consultation
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Drafting agreement according to your terms and instructions
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Legal advice if we see that something is wrong or does not make sense
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Two major revisions of the draft
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Financial disclosure is not included
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Negotiations are not included
Independent Legal Advice from $699*
This option is for you if you received a separation or marriage agreement drafted by your spouse's lawyer. We will review it and give our opinion.
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Review the agreement and attached documents and advise you on your entitlements and obligations under the law and agreement
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Go through alternative options and provide our advice
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Consultation with a lawyer included
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Certificate of independent legal advice if needed
Consultation with a Lawyer $250*
This fee will be waived if you choose to retain us.
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Advise on your rights and obligations
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Explain applicable family law procedures, steps, timelines, costs
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Review your documents
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Go through your options
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Review the range of outcomes