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: the number and complexity of the issues to be resolved, the level of conflict between the spouses and willingness to cooperate, and the client's 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 fees whenever possible to reduce your financial burden. Disbursements may include court filing fees and the costs of court reporters, process servers, and expert reports. We will always keep you informed of these expenses to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Retainer Fees
Retainer fees are based on the hourly rate of the lawyer or legal assistant. Time is billed in increments of 0.1 hour (6 minutes) and rounded up to the next 0.1 hour. Our hourly rates are as follows:
Lawyer - $275
Legal Assistant - $80
You will be asked to pay a retainer deposit to our trust account. The amount of the deposit depends on the nature of the work and the urgency of the matter. Typical amounts of replenishable retainers are:
- for out-of-court matters and limited scope retainer $2,000
- for matters in court $3,500
Once the work on your file has started, additional deposits will be required to replenish your retainer.
Fixed Fee Options
We offer several flat fee options for various family law matters, such as domestic contract drafting (marriage/prenup contract, separation agreement), independent legal advice, and uncontested divorce. Please see rates below.
Unbundled Legal Services (Limited Retainer)
A limited scope retainer (also known as "unbundled legal services") is an affordable alternative to the 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 your entire legal matter, and you decide what to pay for.
We 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 the number and complexity of the issues covered by the contract (advice). Litigation and negotiations are not included and will be charged extra on request.
Uncontested Separation Agreement from $1,499 *
Affordable option for out-of-court resolution suitable for couples who are able to negotiate the terms of their separation agreement.
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Initial 1-hour consultation included
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Only if both parties agree. Negotiations are not covered
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Includes draft separation agreement and 2 major updates
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Independent legal advice is included
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Financial disclosure for an additional fee, if needed
Marriage/Prenup or Cohabitation Agreement from $1,299*
Great value option for couples who are able to negotiate and come to an agreement in principle.
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Initial 1-hour consultation
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Drafting contract according to your terms and instructions
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Independent legal advice is included
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Two major revisions of the draft
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Financial disclosure for an additional fee, if needed
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Negotiations with the opposing party are not covered
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
Uncontested Divorce from $1,999 (+HST)
Block fee that includes court filing fees and all disbursements. Available only if both spouses agree and no other family law issues are involved.
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Drafting required court forms and filing with the appropriate court
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Commissioning of affidavits
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Service of documents on the opposing party in Ontario
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Payment of court filing fees
If the opposing party files an Answer or additional issues arise, additional work will be billed at our hourly rate.