Legal Advice & Representation

Our legal work is billed on an hourly basis and supported by retainers that allow matters to proceed without interruption. Legal fees vary depending on the level of conflict, complexity, and urgency of the matter. Conflict reflects the extent to which parties are able to cooperate in addressing issues as they arise, while complexity reflects the number of legal issues that must be addressed within the same matter. Urgency reflects the extent to which time-sensitive issues require immediate legal action. As any of these factors increase, additional legal work is typically required to manage the matter and move it toward resolution.

Our standard hourly rates range from $295 to $580 CAD, depending on the experience of the lawyer or law clerk/paralegal. Legal work is billed according to roles and responsibilities, and time is recorded to the nearest minute to reflect actual time spent. We do not use rounding conventions that inflate recorded time.

Initial retainers range from $1,500 CAD to $3,000 CAD depending on the scope of work and desired service. A retainer is required before work begins and is applied against future legal fees and third-party disbursements as work is completed. Retainers may need to be replenished as a matter progresses to allow work to continue without interruption. Higher retainers may be required for matters with higher levels of conflict, complexity, and urgency.

Consultations are offered at 50% of our standard hourly rates, and most consultations are booked for 30 minutes. The average cost of a consultation at our firm ranges from $85 to $145 CAD. When a consultation is booked with a Partner, an associate may also attend at no additional cost. For clients who retain the firm under a Standard Retainer, the full consultation fee is credited toward future legal services.

Disbursements are third-party expenses incurred during the course of a matter, such as court fees, expert fees, transcripts, and external reports. These costs can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on the legal needs of the matter.

We maintain transparent billing practices. Invoices are issued monthly and are fully itemized, with time recorded to reflect actual work performed. We do not use block billing or rounding conventions that inflate recorded time. Budget estimates are provided and updated as matters progress.

Legal fees in family law can be difficult to predict, as matters often evolve and circumstances change. In general, matters involving lower levels of conflict, complexity, and urgency may resolve within a range of $3,000 to $5,000 CAD. Matters involving higher levels of conflict, complexity, or urgency may fall within a broader range of $5,000 to $50,000 CAD. Highly contested or complex matters can exceed $50,000 and may extend beyond $100,000 CAD.

Interim funding arrangements may be available through our specialized lenders. This option may be appropriate for clients who are entitled to funds that are not yet accessible.

Our role is to provide legal advice and representation in matters involving varying levels of conflict, complexity, and urgency. Our approach reflects the particular circumstances of each matter and the practical needs of our clients, recognizing that family law issues can differ significantly in scope and intensity. We remain responsive to changing circumstances, ensuring the matter continues to progress efficiently toward resolution.

The most suitable option depends on the level of involvement required from our firm (e.g., legal advice, representation, or both), as well as the level of conflict, complexity, and urgency involved in your matter. If you are unsure, please speak with our Client Service Manager before booking your consultation or discuss the options with one of our lawyers during your consultation.

While we try to accommodate requests and preferences whenever possible, we also need to ensure that your matter is appropriately matched to the right lawyer and/or clerk based on the experience, skills, and availability required for the scope of work. To support this important part of family law practice, we created a custom intake system that is very effective in improving compatibility between our clients and legal team.

Yes. You can switch between Retainer Services as your needs or the circumstances of your matter evolve.

Due to the nature of our work, we do not offer traditional payment plans. However, interim funding arrangements may be available through our specialized lenders where appropriate.

Unfortunately, we do not accept Legal Aid certificates at this time. Please visit the Legal Aid Ontario website for a list of lawyers who can assist with legal aid matters.