fees + services
At Oakley Family Law, we have designed our services and fees based on the needs of our clients. Read below to see which fee structure works best for you.
Every family law file starts with a consultation. Not just a meet and greet.
For a flat fee of $200 (including GST), you can meet with a lawyer for up to an hour for an initial strategy session in person or by videoconference.
During this meeting, we will discuss your goals and interests, provide an overview of the law, and offer some summary advice.
Legal Coaching
For the DIYers- You may have met with one of our lawyers for a Consultation, but have decided you would prefer to do it yourself.
- If you need some legal information, opinion, strategy, or other guidance, get the help of a Legal Coach only when you need it.
- No retainer required, but payment is required at the start of each meeting.
Full Scope Services
We do it all- This is the level of service that most of our clients choose.
- We handle all correspondence, negotiations, drafting of documents, and Court appearances on your behalf.
- A retainer is required based on the seniority of the lawyer and needs of the client.
Limited Scope Services
We do some of the work- Often clients come to us seeking limited scope services after they have self-represented for a period of time.
- The lawyer only does some of the steps on your file. For example, the lawyer may only be hired to draft Court documents, or to help you respond to correspondence. You handle the rest.
- A retainer is required based on the seniority of the lawyer and needs of the client.
Legal Aid
Call 1-866-845-3425 to qualify- Service is limited to scope and hours set by Legal Aid Alberta (LAA).
- No retainer is required; however, lawyers who provide services through LAA do not work for free. Clients remit payment to LAA.
- If you have already qualified with LAA and would like one of our lawyers to represent you, please book a consultation first.
A quick note about flat fee services.
Flat fee services mean that the lawyer will complete a particular task at an agreed upon price (e.g., you and the lawyer agree that the completion of a Separation Agreement will cost $3,500). If the lawyer’s work takes more or less time to complete the task, the client is charged the set amount. However, both the client receive the benefit of certainty of price, which can be valuable.
We do not typically offer flat fee services, as we find that there are too many variables in the type of work we do. Any estimates we provide to clients should not be considered quotes – it may cost more or less. We believe our clients should benefit from any cost savings available to them where they are organized and/or it takes us less time to complete the work than otherwise expected.
We’re here to help when you’re ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a retainer?
The retainer is like a security deposit – it’s money that you put up so that we can start work on your file. We hold the money in our trust account and only use that money to pay our invoices. A retainer is not an estimate of cost. Any money left over at the end of your file will be returned to you.
How much is the retainer?
Each retainer is unique and depends on what is going on with your file. Some retainers for simple matters may only be $500. Most full scope retainers are $2,500 for junior lawyers, $3,500 for mid-level lawyers, and $5,000 for senior lawyers. Files that are proceeding to trial often require more. Your lawyer will design your individual retainer during your Consultation.
What is my lawyer’s hourly rate?
Each lawyer at Oakley Family Law has a different hourly rate, which largely depends on how many years they have been practicing. Private rates range from $275/hour to $595/hour. Legal Aid’s current rate is $125/hour for new files. For specific rates, please phone our office at 587-943-1394.
How can I pay?
We accept Visa, Visa Debit, MasterCard, MasterCard Debit, and bank drafts.
What if I am eligible for Legal Aid?
Call 1-866-845-3425 to see if you qualify.
Some of our lawyers accept files through Legal Aid Alberta. If you have qualified for Legal Aid, and you would like one of our lawyers to represent you, we ask that you meet with us for a one hour Consultation for a flat fee of $125 (inclusive of GST) prior to requesting that we be appointed as your lawyer through Legal Aid.