FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Do you have questions? 
• Would you like some information around your rights and responsibilities if, or when, you separate, as well as the process? 
• Have you been served with documents? 

If you answered "YES" to any of these questions, then now is the time to see a lawyer to get some clarity around your situation. It is very common for people to have questions because this is a big change in your life. Having an understanding about your rights and responsibilities and options for working towards a resolution early on in the process is extremely helpful to prepare you to work through any legal issues. 

If you have been served with legal documents, they are often time sensitive and require a response within a set timeframe or the Court may make orders without your input.

If you have been served with court documents, bring those so that we can go over them.  We will also require you to provide a piece of photo-ID. We will send you a questionnaire to fill out and return to us in advance of or at the initial consultation.

If spousal or child support is an area where you have questions, please bring your last 3 tax returns and Notices of Assessment and your most recent paystub so that we can provide specific advice to you in this area.

At the initial consultation,  we will discuss your situation and I will help to highlight the issues that are affecting you.  We will discuss the various options and processes available to you, and potentially make decisions about how to best move forward.

Unfortunately, there is no clear answer. The cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the level of cooperation (or lack thereof) between the parties.

My rate is currently $400 per hour, plus 

disbursements and taxes. I usually bill once per month, and after court appearances, on active files and try to give estimates of what various steps may cost to assist with your financial planning. The overall goal is to have an agreement (or order) in place to address and resolve all outstanding issues and provide a healthy, clear path forward.

The average cost of drafting a Separation Agreement is about $1500 plus disbursements and taxes, but it can be more or less depending on the time that it takes to finalize the terms.

Preparing for and attending mediation usually costs about $5,000 plus disbursements and taxes, but it can be more of less depending on the time that it takes to finalize a Separation Agreement.  With private mediators, the cost of the mediator, which is in addition to legal fees, is usually shared between the parties, unless otherwise agreed.

The cost of attending a 5 day Supreme Court trial can be in excess of $50,000 for each party.

Each case is unique.  For some cases, the pros of proceeding to litigation may outweigh the cons.  For other cases, resolving the dispute through negotiation or mediation may produce a better outcome.

 I provide legal information, advice, and services in the following practice areas:

• parenting issues, including parenting time, parenting responsibilities, custody, guardianship, contact and access;
• child support;
• spousal support / alimony;
• dividing debt and property;
• separation and parenting agreements;
• cohabitation agreements;
• divorce; and
• navigating the legal process, including information about alternative dispute resolution methods (ADR), such as mediation and arbitration, and litigation.

Enquire about your specific situation today to see if we can help by emailing  info@krystlegillfamilylaw.com or getting in touch through our website.