Legal Services Fee Structure
We offer transparent and flexible fee arrangements tailored to meet the needs of our clients. Below is an explanation of our fee structures and the associated costs for specific services.
Types of Fee Arrangements
- Flat Fee
A fixed cost for a specific service, agreed upon in advance. This structure provides clarity and eliminates surprises. - Hourly Rate
You are billed for the time spent working on your matter. For family litigation, funds are placed in a trust and used as needed. - Contingency Fee
Payment is based on a percentage of the amount recovered in your case. This arrangement is common in civil litigation, where we charge 33.3% of the settlement plus disbursements.
Fee Schedule
Civil Litigation (car accident, slip and fall, etc.)
- Contingency Fee: 33.3% of the settlement + disbursements.
Criminal Matters
- For simpler criminal cases (Summary Offenses), fees generally start at $5,000, covering detailed case analysis, disclosure review, resolution negotiations with the Crown and Court, and all necessary court appearances.
- We typically offer staged block fees, which include an initial resolution fee (covering all court appearances, document analysis, and negotiations) and a trial fee if the case proceeds to trial. A separate bail fee may also apply if needed.
- Summary Conviction Offense resolution fees are usually under $5,000.
- Indictable Offense resolution fees are often under $10,000, except for cases requiring extensive preliminary inquiries.
- Trial fees range from $2,000 to $3,000 per day, in addition to the resolution fee. For highly complex cases requiring additional court days, trial fees start at $4,000 per day.
- In some situations, we may offer a combined resolution and trial fee. The most complex cases will be billed at an hourly rate.
Family Matters
- Initial Consultation (30 minutes): $100.00
- Independent Legal Advice (1 hour): $300.00
- Marriage/Cohabitation Agreement (Standard): $2,500.00
(Requires full financial disclosure from both parties) - Marriage/Cohabitation Agreement (Complex): $5,000.00 and up
- Separation Agreement (Standard): $2,000.00
(Requires full financial disclosure and mutual agreement on terms) - Uncontested Divorce: $2,200.00
(Includes preparation and court filing fees) - Family Litigation (Hourly): $300.00/hour
(A retainer of 20 hours is required and replenished as needed. Any remaining funds will be reimbursed.)
Additional Notes
- HST: All fees are subject to applicable taxes.
- Disbursements: Disbursements are out-of-pocket expenses we pay on your behalf while working on your case. These are costs that are necessary to move your matter forward, such as:
- Court filing fees
- Costs for obtaining medical or police reports
- Expert fees (e.g., accountants or appraisers)
- Mailing or courier charges
- You will be responsible for reimbursing these expenses in addition to our legal fees. We always strive to keep these costs reasonable and will discuss them with you if/when they arise.
For further information, please contact our office to discuss your specific needs.