Legal Fees

Most people going through a divorce or a separation are concerned about legal costs. In many cases, their concern is justified, because divorce or family litigation can be very expensive, and the stress of additional expense is just about the last thing people going through a divorce or separation need.

However, obtaining competent legal advice can actually reduce the overall legal cost by helping the parties to avoid making decisions which complicate their case or prejudice their rights.

In BC, family lawyers will not take a case on a "contingency" basis where they receive a percentage of the amount recovered for the client. Most family lawyers bill their clients on a monthly or periodic basis based on an hourly rate for the time spent on their case.

Many clients ask for an estimate of the total fees which will be charged to them for their case. Unfortunately, in most cases it is extremely difficult if not impossible to give a reliable estimate. If we are unable to give you a reliable estimate of the total cost, we will at least keep you informed as to the anticipated costs of upcoming steps in the proceedings.

When accepting a case, most family lawyers will ask for a deposit to be applied towards the anticipated costs of the case. This deposit is referred to as a "retainer".

Our clients are billed on a monthly basis and receive a detailed statement itemizing the work done during the previous month. Our hourly rate is $300.00.

We also offer fixed fees for such matters as uncontested divorces.