Do you offer Unbundle Services/Limited Family Scope Services?

The short answer is yes!

How does Limited Scope Services work?

A Limited Scope Services counsel retainer, also known as unbundled legal services, is an arrangement where a lawyer provides legal services for only part of a client’s legal matter. Here are the key points:

• Specific Tasks: The lawyer and client agree on specific tasks the lawyer will handle, such as legal research, document preparation, legal advice, or representation at a specific stage of the case.

• Client Control: The client retains control over the rest of the case and can seek the lawyer’s help as needed.

• Cost-Effective: This arrangement can be more affordable since the client only pays for the services they need.

• Professional Obligations: Lawyers must still adhere to professional conduct rules and ensure that the client understands the limits and risks associated with the limited scope of services.

How much will it cost?

The cost of litigation can vary widely depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the amount of time required, and the specific services needed. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Initial Consultation: We offer an initial consultation to discuss your case and provide an estimate of potential costs.

2. Hourly Rates: Our fees are typically based on hourly rates, which can vary depending on the experience and expertise of the lawyer handling your case.

3. Retainer Fees: In many cases, we require a retainer fee, which is an upfront payment that covers initial costs. The amount of the retainer will depend on the specifics of your case.

4. Additional Costs: There may be additional costs for things like court fees, expert witnesses, and other expenses related to your case.

5. Payment Plans: We understand that legal costs can be a concern, and we offer flexible payment plans to help manage expenses.

For a more accurate estimate tailored to your specific situation, please contact us to schedule a consultation.

Do you provide your clients with a detailed written statement of fees?

We prepare interim accounts (with detailed breakdown) on a regular basis, usually on the 25th day of the month, for fees and disbursements. If your matter is very active, particularly if we are in court for you, you may get accounts from us on a more frequent basis.

This is, in part, an effort to ensure that you have a good understanding of what the matter is costing you at all times. For most people, the cost of the matter will be an influencing factor in decision-making about the next step to take, and the kind of response to make to the other side; in our experience, it should be. The amount of fees on the interim accounts is usually based on time spent, but where appropriate, could include an additional charge based on the other elements referred to above.

Do you charge anything for the first meeting?

Yes, we charge a flat rate consultation fee for the first meeting.

How do I retain your law firm?

You need to sign a retainer agreement and pay a retainer fee.

What is a Money Retainer?

The retainer is an amount paid to our firm in trust, for deposit to your credit, on the understanding that it will be used to satisfy our accounts for legal services and disbursements at the time accounts are delivered.

The retainer is a source of payment for your accounts. You are expected to provide and replenish the retainer when requested, as it is spent, so that we continue to have enough money in trust to cover legal services completed and necessary next steps. Until you provide us with a retainer, or replenish it when it is exhausted, we will not work on your file.

The retainer is not a flat fee or an estimate of the cost of your work. You are responsible for the fees and disbursements not covered by the initial or replenished retainer. Of course, any unused portion of the retainer will be refunded to you at the end of our work for you.

The amount of the retainer should not be taken as an estimate of the cost of the completion of the work in your matter.

Will you be the only lawyer working on my case?

Yes, I can usually manage most situations by myself. However, in an emergency or unexpected case, I might seek help from a colleague to provide you with the best support. There may also be times when I will work closely with other lawyers or depend on experienced staff to help lower your legal costs.

How will you communicate with me about the case, and how often?

I will contact you via email, phone, Microsoft Teams, or in person, depending on what you prefer. I typically communicate with clients as needed, but I'm happy to provide more regular updates if you want.

How will you keep me informed about the progress of my case?

I keep you updated on your case by sending progress reports through email. If email does not work for you then we can discuss alternative methods.

I typically discuss with you the best method of providing you with progress so that you stay informed in your case.

What is your approach or strategy for my case?

Every legal case is different, with unique challenges and parties involved. There isn't a single solution for all situations and therefore I cannot provide you with a simple answer regarding my appraoch or strategy. When I take on a new case, I discuss my plan with the client to ensure we resolve it efficiently. I customize my strategy to meet each client's specific needs.

How do you handle conflicts that may arise during the case?

I prioritise clear communication and a calm, neutral approach. I first take the time to understand the concerns and emotions of all parties involved to facilitate effective dialogue. By establishing a respectful environment, I aim to diffuse tensions and encourage collaboration towards mutually beneficial solutions.

Where necessary, I recommend mediation or alternative dispute resolution techniques to help parties reach an agreement without protracted litigation. Additionally, I ensure that all legal options are clearly outlined so that clients can make informed decisions, while remaining focused on the best interests of any children involved.

Do you have enough time to deal with my problem quickly?

Yes, I will always be by your side and support you through every aspect of your matter, ensuring that you feel confident and reassured during this challenging time.

How quickly can I expect resolution?

Depending on the complexity of your situation, your matter may resolve quickly or It can take several years for your matter to resolve.

Our priority is to resolve your litigation matter as quickly and favourably as possible, allowing you to move on with your life.

Are there any alternative ways to resolve my legal issue?

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is the resolution of disputes by means other than traditional litigation, where a resolution is the result of negotiation between parties through their lawyers or imposed on them by a judge.

ADR often helps separated spouses achieve resolution with less bitterness and expense than traditional litigation, a result that will be especially important if they have children. It can also allow for more flexible and individualized resolutions than traditional litigation.

The different types of Alternative Dispute Resolutions are:

• Mediation is a method of dispute resolution whereby the parties retain a third-party professional to assist them in reaching an agreement.

• Arbitration is a legal procedure where the parties agree to appoint a person, who becomes the arbitrator, to review the evidence and arguments of the parties and render a decision, called an award, which is binding.

• Parenting coordination is used exclusively to deal with parenting issues, and is only possible once a final parenting agreement or court order is in place. To confirm the PC’s authority to work with the parents outside of the adversarial process, to obtain information and to make recommendations and decisions as authorized by a parenting agreement, the parents’ consent to defer to parenting coordination is normally incorporated into a formal court order. One of the main functions of the PC is to help parents implement the parenting terms of their final agreement/court order.

• Collaborative family law can be most easily described as a way of practising law where the lawyers for both clients agree to assist them in resolving conflict using cooperative strategies rather than adversarial techniques and litigation. Above all, the commitment to work collaboratively is reflected in an agreement between both lawyers and their respective clients that stipulates that should settlement fail, the lawyers will withdraw and not participate in litigation

When can we meet?

We are available to meet at your convenience during our regular business hours, which are Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Please let us know your preferred date and time, and we will do our best to accommodate your schedule. We can also arrange for virtual consultations if that suits you better. Your needs are our priority, and we look forward to discussing your situation in detail.