A Clear Guide to Your Legal Fees

I recognize that concerns about legal fees can be a major source of anxiety. I am committed to providing transparency when it comes to the cost of legal services.

My goal is to provide you with a clear understanding of your options, allowing you to choose a path that aligns with your needs and financial circumstances.

To help you make an informed decision, I’ve broken down our fee structures into four distinct categories, each designed to serve our clients in the most effective and transparent way possible.

1. Divorce Coaching

What is it?

Divorce Coaching is a proactive, supportive service focused on empowering you with the strategy, knowledge, and organizational skills to navigate your separation and divorce effectively. Think of it as having a legal guide and thinking partner by your side, helping you prepare for the road ahead.

How does it work?

In confidential, one-on-one sessions, I help you clarify your goals, understand the divorce process, develop effective co-parenting and communication strategies, organize your financial documents, and prepare for critical steps like mediation or negotiations.

Who is it for?

This service is ideal for individuals who:

  • Are in the early stages of separation and want to understand their options.

  • Want to manage their legal costs by handling parts of the process themselves.

  • Need strategic guidance and a sounding board to make confident, informed decisions.

Who is it not for?

Divorce Coaching does not include legal advice or court representation. It is not suitable for individuals who need a lawyer to formally represent them in negotiations or in court.

My Rate: Divorce Coaching services are billed at $400.00 per hour plus HST.

2. Limited Scope Retainers

What is it?

A Limited Scope Retainer allows you to hire us for specific, defined parts of your case, rather than for the entire matter. This "unbundled" approach gives you access to professional legal expertise precisely when and where you need it, offering a predictable and controlled way to manage your legal expenses.

How does this work?

I can tailor our services to your exact needs. This can be structured as:

  • Block Billing: We agree on a fixed price for a specific task, such as drafting a court application, preparing your financial statement, or providing an opinion on a separation agreement. This is an excellent way to ensure cost certainty for distinct stages of your case.

  • Traditional Hourly Rates: You can hire us for a specific purpose, and I will bill for the time spent at our standard hourly rates.

Who is it good for?

This is a great option for clients who:

  • Feel capable of managing the overall direction of their case but need legal help with complex documents or procedures.

  • Have a limited budget but require professional legal work on a critical part of their case.

  • Need a lawyer to ghostwrite documents or provide behind-the-scenes strategic advice.

Who does it not work for?

  • This may not be suitable for those who are facing a highly contentious matter, have a complex financial situation, or do not feel comfortable representing themselves in communications or court proceedings.

3. Traditional Retainer

What is it?

  • A Traditional Retainer is our full-representation service. When you retain us in this capacity, you are hiring me to manage all aspects of your legal file from start to finish. This is the most comprehensive level of service I offer.

How does it work?

  • The process begins with an initial consultation where we discuss your case and determine if I am the right fit. If you decide to move forward, you will sign a Retainer Agreement, which outlines the scope of our services and our respective responsibilities. You will then provide an initial deposit, known as a retainer, which is held in a dedicated trust account. For most files, I require an initial retainer of $6,000 + HST.

  • As If work on your file, I will track my time for all activities, including phone calls, emails, document drafting, and court appearances. At the end of each month, I will provide you with a detailed invoice. This invoice is paid from the funds held in your trust account. You are responsible for keeping the trust account replenished so that it does not fall below a set amount, ensuring my work on your case can continue seamlessly.

My Responsibilities:

  • Developing and executing a legal strategy for your case.

  • Handling all communications with the opposing party or their counsel.

  • Drafting all necessary legal documents and correspondence.

  • Representing you in all negotiations, mediations, and court appearances.

  • Providing you with timely updates and clear legal advice.

Your Responsibilities:

  • Providing complete and accurate information in a timely manner.

  • Reviewing documents and correspondence I prepare for you.

  • Attending meetings and court dates as required.

  • Making timely payments to replenish the retainer as requested.

Who is this best for?

This model is best for clients who:

  • Are dealing with complex financial issues, property division, or support claims.

  • Are in a high-conflict situation that requires professional negotiation and advocacy.

  • Prefer the peace of mind that comes with having a dedicated legal team managing every aspect of their case.

4. Fixed Fees for Uncontested Matters

What is an Uncontested Divorce?

An uncontested divorce is one where you and your spouse have resolved all major issues between you. This means you are not asking the court to make decisions about parenting, child support, spousal support, or how to divide your property because you have already reached an agreement.

Who is it for?

This service is designed for couples who:

  • Have been separated for at least one year.

  • Have no outstanding disputes regarding children, support, or property.

  • Simply need the formal court order to legally end their marriage.

Fixed-Fee Uncontested Divorce Package: $1500 + HST AND DISBURSEMENTS

This all-inclusive fee covers the preparation and filing of all necessary court documents to process a simple, uncontested divorce from start to finish.

What is not included?

The following services are not covered by the fixed fee and will incur separate charges if needed:

  • Application Fee: This is the first document that is required for your divorce.

  • Certificate of Divorce: This is the final document proving you are divorced. The court charges a separate fee to issue it.

  • Process Server Fees: If your spouse is uncooperative in signing documents, I may need to hire a process server to formally deliver the application. This cost is separate.

Find the Right Fit for You

I understand that every situation is unique. The best way to determine which fee structure is right for you is to have a conversation.

By contacting our office, I can provide you with detailed information on our current rates and help you understand the most suitable and cost-effective option for your specific circumstances.

Important Disclaimers

  • Retainer Agreement Required: Our professional relationship begins only after a formal Retainer Agreement has been signed by you and our firm, and the required retainer has been paid. I cannot provide legal services or take any action on your file until these steps are completed.

  • Disbursements: In addition to our fees, you are responsible for all out-of-pocket expenses (disbursements) incurred, such as court filing fees, courier charges, or fees for expert reports.

  • No Guaranteed Outcomes: The law is complex, and while I am committed to achieving the best possible result for you, I cannot guarantee any specific outcome.

  • Rates Subject to Change: Our hourly rates and fees are reviewed periodically and are subject to change with reasonable notice.

  • Timely Payment: It is your responsibility to pay all invoices and replenish retainers on time to ensure there is no disruption to our work on your file.