Consultation for newcomers to Canada
Consultation for newcomers to Canada: advice on matters within a licensed paralegal's scope, with a referral to a lawyer when needed.
What is included
- A one-to-one conversation about your matter, by phone, video or in person, as the service describes
- A review of the documents you share before or at the meeting
- An explanation of your options, the process and the deadlines that may apply
- A view on whether the matter is within a licensed paralegal's scope, with a lawyer referral if it is not
- Suggested next steps, and what further help could involve if you want it
What is not included
- Representation, filings or ongoing work after the consultation, unless agreed in a signed retainer
- Advice on matters a licensed paralegal is not permitted to handle
- Preparing documents beyond what the service describes
- Government, court or tribunal filing fees and other disbursements
Who this service is for
- Someone with a legal question who wants to understand their options first
- People deciding whether to act on a notice, claim, ticket or decision
- Self-represented people who want guidance at a particular step
- Anyone unsure whether their matter needs a paralegal or a lawyer
Information to have ready
- 1The names of the other people or organisations involved, for our conflict check
- 2Any notice, letter, claim, ticket or decision, with its date
- 3A short summary of what happened and what you want to achieve
- 4Your questions, written down in order of importance
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost?
The fee is $150 plus 13% HST ($169.50 in all) for the work described on this page. Court, tribunal or government fees and other disbursements are extra. We confirm the scope and the fee in a written retainer agreement before any work starts.
What happens when I check out?
You book a time for your intake call, then save a card on Stripe's secure page. Nothing is charged today: the card is only charged later, for an invoice for work already done, as your retainer agreement sets out. A licensed paralegal confirms the details, checks for conflicts of interest and, if we can act for you, sends the retainer agreement. Fees paid before the work is done are held in our trust account.
Will you act for me after a consultation?
Only if we both agree. A consultation is advice at one point in time; we act for you on filings, negotiations or hearings once we confirm in writing that we will, normally in a signed retainer agreement. What you tell us is kept confidential either way.
Why do you ask for the other side's names first?
So we can run a conflict check before you tell us the details, to be sure that advising you would not conflict with our duties to another client.
What if my question needs a lawyer?
We tell you, and if you wish, we can refer you to an Ontario lawyer under the Law Society of Ontario's referral rules.
Can the consultation be in another language?
Some consultations can be held with an interpreter, as the service describes. Tell us your language when you book.
General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Important limitations
- Advice is based on the information and documents you provide at the time
- Until a retainer is signed, you remain responsible for your own deadlines
- No outcome can be guaranteed
- Advice is limited to matters a licensed paralegal is permitted to handle; if your question, or part of it, needs a lawyer, we tell you and can refer you to one.
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