Family law fees, in writing before you sign.
We charge flat fees for the services where we can, and we tell you in writing before any work starts if a matter will be billed by the hour. Every fee we quote says whether HST and disbursements are extra. The flat fees below do not change once we quote them.
Three services with one fixed price.
Pick a service to see every line of the cost. DisbursementsCosts the firm pays for you and bills at cost, such as a process server, couriers or a property valuation. are estimates, billed at cost. Court fees are set by the province.
| Legal feeFlat. It does not change once we quote it. | $250.00 |
|---|---|
| DisbursementsNo disbursements for a consultation. | $0.00 |
| HST at 13%On the fee and disbursements. | $32.50 |
| Total | $282.50 |
What the fee covers
- One hour with a lawyer, in person or by video
- Written notes of the options we discussed
- Credited to your account if you hire us
| Legal feeFlat. It does not change once we quote it. | $1,200.00 |
|---|---|
| DisbursementsCourier and copies, about $40. | $40.00 |
| HST at 13%On the fee and disbursements. | $161.20 |
| Expected total | $1,401.20 |
What the fee covers
- Review of a separation agreement your partner's lawyer drafted
- A meeting to explain every term and what it means for you
- Suggested changes sent to the other lawyer once
- Signing and witnessing at our office, with a certificate of advice
| Legal feeFlat. It does not change once we quote it. | $1,650.00 |
|---|---|
| DisbursementsProcess server and courier, about $150. | $150.00 |
| HST at 13%On the fee and disbursements. | $234.00 |
| Court feesSet by Ontario. $224 to file, $445 for the divorce order. Ontario fee list | $669.00 |
| Expected total | $2,703.00 |
What the fee covers
- Application for divorce, prepared and filed
- Service of the papers on your spouse
- Affidavit and draft divorce order
- Your divorce certificate once the order takes effect
Everything else is hourly, with an estimate first.
Negotiation, parenting disputes, support and property claims depend on how much the two of you disagree. We bill these by the hour, and your RetainerThe written agreement that hires a lawyer. It names who does the work, sets the fees and often asks for a deposit held in trust. sets out the estimate for each stage.
| Claire Aubertin | $425 an hour |
|---|---|
| Jonah Whitlock | $375 an hour |
| Nadia Ferreira-Lemieux | $300 an hour |
| Law clerks | $145 an hour |
- a.
Monthly accounts
Each account lists every task, the date, who did it and how long it took, in six-minute units.
- b.
Deposit held in trust
We hold your deposit in our trust account and draw on it only after we send you an account.
- c.
The right person for each task
Clerks prepare forms and disclosure at the clerk rate. Your lawyer gives advice and negotiates.
- d.
No surprises
If a stage will cost more than the estimate, we tell you and explain why before we do the work.
Questions about fees
Each answer is general information. Your lawyer will tell you how it applies to you.
Why do you ask for a deposit?
A deposit, called a retainer, is held in our trust account. We take payment from it only after we send you an account, and we return any amount left when the file closes.
Can I get an estimate for a court case?
Yes. We give you a written estimate for each stage, such as the case conference or the settlement conference. If the work will cost more, we tell you before we do it.
Do you charge for phone calls and emails?
Calls and emails with your lawyer are billed in six-minute units at the hourly rate. Calls with your clerk to book meetings or send papers are not billed.
Do you accept Legal Aid Ontario certificates?
Yes, for family law matters. Legal Aid Ontario decides who qualifies, so apply to them first and bring your certificate to the consultation.
Ask for a written quote at your consultation.
(613) 555-0117- Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Evening video meetings by appointment
- Saturday and Sunday, closed
