ILA on Matrimonial Agreements
Independent Legal Advice on matrimonial agreements
Most family law work in Ontario is reserved to lawyers, and a paralegal may do only the limited family services allowed by the Law Society's Family Legal Services Provider licence, so the firm does only what its licence permits and refers everything else, including independent legal advice, domestic contracts, contested parenting or property issues, adoption and urgent motions, to an Ontario lawyer.
What is included
- Confirming the agreement and who needs advice
- Organizing the agreement, financial disclosure and your questions
- Referral to an Ontario lawyer who acts only for you, under the Law Society of Ontario's referral rules
What is not included
- Court fees and other disbursements, such as process server and certificate costs
- Independent legal advice on a domestic contract, which a lawyer must give
- Contested issues, property division or court appearances outside the firm's licence
- Child protection, adoption and other matters a lawyer must handle
Who this service is for
- Separated or separating spouses who agree on the issues
- Parents who want parenting time and support set out in writing
- People whose support needs to be updated by agreement
- Anyone who wants to know which parts of a family matter need a lawyer
Information to have ready
- 1Your marriage certificate and date of separation
- 2Children's names, dates of birth and current arrangements
- 3Income documents, such as tax returns, notices of assessment and pay stubs
- 4Any existing court order or agreement
- 5The other party's contact details
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost?
The fee is $500 plus 13% HST ($565.00 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.
Can the firm give independent legal advice?
No. Independent legal advice on a domestic contract is given by a lawyer who acts only for you. The firm can refer you to an Ontario lawyer, who confirms the scope and sets and bills the fee.
Why does independent legal advice matter?
It helps show that each person understood the agreement and signed it freely, which makes it harder to set aside later.
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
- No outcome can be guaranteed; the court decides
- Contested matters and property division usually need a lawyer
- Both parties must give full and honest financial disclosure
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