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.
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 amounts of replenishable retainers are:
- for out-of-court matters and limited scope retainer $2,000
- for matters in court $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 several 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 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 Separation Agreement from $1,399 *
Affordable option for out-of-court resolution of your separation. Suitable for couples who are able to negotiate the terms of separation agreement themselves.
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Initial 1-hour consultation included
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Only if both parties agree. Any contested issues are not covered
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Includes draft separation agreement and two major revisions
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Independent legal advice is included
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Financial disclosure for extra fee if needed
Marriage/Prenuptial Agreement from $1,199*
Great value option for a couple 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 extra fee if needed
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Negotiations with the opposing party are not covered
Independent Legal Advice $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 $275/hr
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Review your documents
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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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Go through your options and consequences
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Review the range of outcomes