Fee Arrangments

5There are two common ways of billing in the legal world: flat rate billing and hourly billing. In some situations a flat fee is appropriate as the work is fairly standard and it gives clients a firm idea of how much they can expect to pay from start to finish to have something completed for them.

However, where a matter has more variables, hourly billing is the typical fee arrangement. Hourly billing means that you pay your legal counsel for the time they work on your file. Our lawyer's rates range from $250-$450 per hour depending on experience. Matters that are billed on an hourly basis also require a minimum retainer deposit which is set at an amount that varies from file to file. This retainer is held in a trust account until a bill is issued and is then used to pay your legal bill. If your matter is resolved with money from your retainer left over this money will be refunded to you.

​We also require our clients to sign a retainer agreement so that both parties know what is expected of them and what our office practices are with respect to billing and services. We discuss these issues with our clients on our first meeting so that we can ensure they are comfortable moving forward. We encourage our clients to ask questions if they are unsure or need clarification.

​We also provide notary and commissioner services at a cost of $50.00 per document and independent legal advice starting at $150.00.
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* All rates are subject to applicable taxes. Disbursements (money spent by our office on your file such as filing fees, shipping costs, etc) are billed separately as an additional cost. These rates are subject to change, and the rates discussed with our office, if different from those listed on this website, will be taken as the correct values.

Flat Rate Billing

In order to help create certainty and  assist clients with planning for their legal expenses we also offer flat rate billing for certain matters. Some of these prices are negotiable depending on the exact nature of your legal issue:

Wills/Estates*

Simple Will                                          
      Individual                                        $450
      Couple                                             $650
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Power of Attorney and Health Care Directive  
     Individual                                         $250
     Couple                                              $350

Simple Will, Power of Attorney, and Health Care Directive 
     Individual                                         $550
​     Couple                                              $750

Real Estate*

Real Estate Sale                                       $700

Real Estate Cash Purchase                     $700

Real Estate Purchase with Mortgage    $950

​Mortgage or Refinance                           $700
                    
 
​* All rates are subject to applicable taxes. Disbursements (money spent by our office on your file such as filing fees, shipping costs, etc.) are billed separately as an additional cost. Please discuss these fees with our office so that you understand what you will be billed for. These rates are subject to change and the rates discussed with our office, if different from those listed on this website, will be taken as the correct values.​
​**Additional fees may be added should the mortgage company not follow standard real estate procedure. 

Tips to Manage your Legal Fees

​Please find the following list of tips helpful in reducing your legal costs. By no means must you follow these guidelines, they are provided to you in order to help assist us in being efficient with the time you are being billed for.
 
Before coming to see us: 
  • Get all papers and documents together and put them in order.
  • Write a Chronology of events if it is appropriate.
  • Note the names and addresses of witnesses or other parties.
  • List the issues upon which you want advice.

When you talk to us:
  • Try to stick to the facts as best you can.
  • Tell us all the facts, good and bad.
  • Ask questions when you do not understand.
  • Ask what you can do to reduce your costs.
  • Try to remember or take notes on matters we’ve discussed so that we don’t have to go over them in depth at future meetings unless necessary. 
 
After you have talked to us:
  • Try not to make unnecessary telephone calls. Our office tries to return all calls/emails within 24 hours.
  • Consider writing to us rather than calling.
  • Try to make a list of questions so that you don’t need to make multiple calls.
  • Our legal assistants may be able to assist you in routine matters, and we would encourage you to telephone her first.
If you are concerned about legal expenses and they become a barrier for you, the following organizations may be of assistance:​