To start working on your file as lawyer of record, we usually ask clients to provide a standard retainer and to sign a retainer agreement. The retainer you provide allows us to act on your behalf with respect to all aspects of your family law matter, including, if necessary, the negotiation of a domestic contract and instituting or opposing proceedings under the Family Law Act, the Divorce Act and/or any other statutes that may be necessary to enforce or retain any rights you may have.
If you are not sure if you need a lawyer, we also offer unbundled services or a “limited scope retainer” which allows us to help you with specific aspects of your matter as needed without having to formally retain us. This could include preparing court documents, attending limited court appearances, or consultations with you about particular steps in your litigation.
Simply put, a limited scope retainer allows you to access services from a lawyer and make informed choices about the services you need most and can afford.
While we understand that legal services can be expensive remember that you need a lawyer if:
- you want legal advice;
- you do not understand the forms, the rules, or the papers you have received from the other side;
- you have a complex case;
- you cannot afford to lose;
- you want to appeal;
- you have been charged with a criminal offense and are required to keep away from your spouse;
- you do not have time to prepare papers, make copies, learn the required steps, file papers with the court, do legal research and attend court hearings;
- you are not comfortable negotiating with your spouse or their lawyer;
- you are overly nervous speaking in public (i.e. a courtroom);
- you do not understand the legal theory of your case well enough to explain it to a judge.
We offer a free half-hour consultation where we can explore if a limited scope retainer is right for you.