We believe meaningful family-law representation goes far beyond legal strategy. It begins with listening, earning trust, and giving you the information and confidence you need to make strong decisions - not only during a difficult time, but for a stable and meaningful future.
Yes.
A retainer agreement will be provided before work begins.
It outlines:
This ensures full transparency from the start.
Before any work begins, your lawyer will explain:
You will receive a written retainer agreement outlining all fees and expectations.
You may, but keep in mind that bringing someone into the meeting can affect confidentiality and solicitor-client privilege.
Your lawyer will explain these issues before the meeting begins so you can make an informed choice.
Yes.
Before your appointment, the firm will conduct a conflict check to ensure neither the lawyer nor the firm has previously acted for your spouse or has any conflict of interest.
To provide meaningful advice, your lawyer needs a full picture of your family, finances, and timeline.
Please bring (or be ready to provide):
The more accurate information you provide, the more tailored and useful your legal advice will be.
Courts may order the unsuccessful party to pay a portion of your fees, but rarely all.
Costs depend on:
It is best to view cost awards as a contribution, not full reimbursement.
You can reduce costs by:
Working efficiently with your lawyer directly lowers your fees.
Your lawyer can provide a general cost range, but exact totals are impossible to guarantee.
Family law depends heavily on:
Your lawyer will update you as the file progresses.
Disbursements are expenses paid on your behalf, such as:
These are billed separately from professional fees.
Fees are usually based on time spent on your file, including emails, calls, drafting, and meetings.
Our firm sends invoices bi-weekly so you always know where you stand.
Most consultations last 45–90 minutes.
You will be informed of the consultation fee and expected time when booking.This meeting gives you an opportunity to ask questions and understand your options before committing to hiring a lawyer.
You have the right to change lawyers at any time.
If you end the retainer:
Your new lawyer will request the file and continue your case.
Your lawyer will:
Because family matters can take time, ongoing communication is essential.
You must provide complete, honest, and up-to-date disclosure.
This includes completing:
You also have a continuing duty to update financial information for conferences, motions, or trial.
In most Ontario courts, yes. If your case involves claims other than divorce alone, you must complete a Mandatory Information Program, which explains:
Available community resources
A typical family law case includes:
Your lawyer will propose a strategy tailored to your situation and outline:
Timelines vary widely - obtaining first court dates alone can take 6 weeks to 4 months, depending on the region.
Your lawyer will explain alternatives such as:
These approaches are often faster, private, less expensive, and less adversarial than traditional litigation.
Negotiation is usually explored first, unless urgent or safety issues exist.
Understanding common mistakes is essential because early separation decisions can have significant long-term consequences for your rights.
What does “separated” legally mean? Do you need a Separation Agreement? Do you have to hire a lawyer?
Three key areas should be addressed right away to protect you and your family
