At your initial consultation, one of our lawyers will talk to you about the anticipated costs involved in resolving your matter. However, keep in mind that there are many variables that will affect the final cost, such as how quickly parties can settle issues and whether the case goes to court. If circumstances change at any time, we will make sure you are aware of the situation, and will explain how your costs may be impacted.
Like most family law firms, Stoner & Company Family Law charges on an hourly rate basis, based in six-minute increments, for the time spent on your matter. Most work is done by our lawyers, but our law clerks and articling students may also work on your file. Each of us has an hourly billing rate, which you will be informed of in advance. That rate is based on individual experience and expertise. All the work we do on your file is accounted for and this information is always available to you.
You will also pay for disbursements (out-of-pocket expenses) we incur on your behalf. This includes registration or filing fees, fees for experts’ reports, photocopying charges, special postage or courier fees, parking, and transportation costs.
The first step towards resolving your matter is setting up an initial consultation with one of our lawyers. When you first contact our firm we’ll review the lawyers available and determine which is the best fit for you. The initial consultation will be one hour, and the fee will correspond with that lawyers’ hourly rate.
After your consultation, you are not yet a client of the firm until you make the decision that you want to hire us, sign a retainer agreement and pay your agreed upon retainer fee (retainer to be reviewed and discussed at your consultation).
Free initial consultations are not available at Stoner & Company. Our consultations offer more in-depth reviews of your matter and include tangible advice and information that will assist you moving forward.
We understand that retaining a family law lawyer can be expensive. We also believe that everyone should have access to the legal system. That’s why, in addition to working with us on a full retainer basis, our firm also offers limited retainer coaching and consultation to self-represented parties. With affordable rates and packages tailored to your specific needs, you can choose the services you want.
Whether it’s coaching before or during a court appearance, one-time advice or ongoing consultation, or a set block of time on a full retainer, we can help – while giving you more control over your legal costs.
To find out more about our family law coaching and consultation service, please contact us.
In some cases, we will be able to provide you with a block fee for a specific task. Most uncontested divorces, for example, may be managed with a pre-set fee.
Our offices in Burlington and Oakville are open and we are continuing to work normal business hours. In order to limit the spread of COVID-19 our lawyers and staff are available for meetings with current clients and initial consultations via email, telephone, and video conference. In person meetings can be arranged however we encourage virtual meetings at this time. Contact 905.632.8607 or Reception@scfamilylaw.ca.
