Understanding Divorce Lawyer Costs in Ontario: Your Options

Divorce Lawyer Costs

The True Cost of a Family Lawyer and Court!

How much do lawyers cost – Survey Says!

Video: Hidden Costs for Divorce Litigation

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Judge June Maresca

Hear what a Ontario Family Court Judges has to say

Family Lawyer Magazine – Canadian Lawyer Magazine’s 2021

Service Fee Range
Uncontested Divorce $1,500 – $3,000
Contested Divorce $7,500 – $25,000
Trial up to 2 Days $4,000 – $20,000
Trial up to 5 Days $10,000 – $45,000
Marriage/Co-habitation Agreement $750 – $3,000
Separation Agreement with Children $750 – $4,000
Separation Agreement without Children $750 – $3,000
Child Custody and Support Agreement $750 – $4,000
Spousal Support Agreement $750 – $3,000
Division of Property/Assets Agreement $750 – $9,000
Motion to Change / Variation Applications $3,000 – $7,000
Mobility Cases $5,500 – $13,000
Child Protection Hearings $2,500 – $7,500

This table presents a clear view of the typical costs associated with various family law services in Ontario, based on the 2021 Legal Fees Survey results from Canadian Lawyer (Canadian Lawyer Magazine)

More about Lawyer Fees in Ontario

Rethinking “Lawyering Up”

  • Control the Process: Working with a mediator and CDFA, you and your spouse maintain control over the process, making decisions collaboratively instead of dictating them by attorneys or the court.

  • Financial Clarity: A CDFA brings financial expertise to your case, helping you understand financial decisions’ short- and long-term implications.

  • Comprehensive Disclosure: These professionals guide you in gathering necessary disclosure documents, ensuring no financial stones are left unturned before consulting a lawyer.

  • Focused Negotiations: Mediators help parties stay focused on their real intentions and the main issues, preventing distractions from the path of resolution.

  • Cost-Effective: Mediation and financial analysis can often be more cost-effective than immediately “lawyering up” while offering comprehensive guidance.

  • Reduced Animosity: Opting for mediation first may reduce the antagonism between parties. The traditional “lawyering up” approach can create an adversarial atmosphere that fuels hostility.

  • Holistic Approach: Mediators and CDFAs consider monetary and non-monetary aspects, such as children’s welfare, providing a more holistic view of your situation.

  • Informed Legal Decisions: A solid understanding of your finances and intentions empowers you to make more informed decisions when seeking legal advice.

  • Protection of Rights: The modern family law system ensures your rights are protected – consulting a mediator or CDFA first doesn’t negate this protection.

  • Better for Children: Focusing on finances and children first helps create a more stable environment during this transition, which is often better for children.

Remember, the goal is to make your divorce or separation as smooth as possible for all involved. Therefore, starting with a mediator and CDFA might not be the traditional route. Still, it could be right for you, providing clarity, control, and a comprehensive view of your situation before you step into a lawyer’s office. As always, every situation is unique, so consider your options carefully and seek the best approach for your family.

Divorce Lawyer Costs
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Divorce Lawyer Costs

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The resolution value ladder

Learn more about Soft Landing Divorce Settlement Method

Finding a Family Lawyer: Ultimate Guide with Top Tips

Choose wisely based on the information you get, your assessment and of course, gut feeling. When meeting with your lawyer, make sure you go with all the vital documents pertinent to the success of your case.

We realize there is still so much you need to learn about finding a divorce lawyer near you. To this end, download this Ebook for greater insight on finding a family lawyer.

The ebook, Expert secrets to finding a divorce lawyer discusses in greater detail how to find the best divorce lawyers, things to do during interviews with your chosen family lawyer, and many more tips to answer your question on choosing the best divorce lawyer near you.

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About the Author:
Ken Maynard CDFA, Acc.FM

I assist intelligent and successful couples in crafting rapid, custom separation agreements that pave the way for a smooth transition towards a secure future. This efficient process is achieved in about four meetings, effectively sidestepping the excessive conflicts, confusion, and costs commonly linked to legal proceedings. Clients have the flexibility to collaborate with me either via video conference or in-person through a DTSW associate at any of our six Greater Toronto mediation centers, located in Aurora, Barrie, North York, Vaughan, Mississauga, and Scarborough.

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