Family LawLawyer referralChild and spousal support

Life insurance as security for support

An order or agreement requiring life insurance, with the beneficiary designation and proof of coverage.

Support can often be claimed or changed at any stage, but delay may limit retroactive claims; the lawyer explains the timing that applies to you. Ontario Done by an Ontario lawyer, by referral

What is included

  • Works out income for support purposes, including for self-employed or business-owner payors
  • Calculates child support under the Child Support Guidelines and spousal support ranges under the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines
  • Prepares or responds to support applications, variations and motions
  • Seeks or challenges retroactive support, arrears and special or extraordinary expenses
  • Deals with enforcement through the Family Responsibility Office where needed

What is not included

  • Court filing fees, process servers, valuations and other disbursements, unless the lawyer's retainer includes them
  • Steps beyond the scope the lawyer confirms in writing, such as a trial or an appeal
  • The charges of valuators, assessors, mediators or arbitrators
  • Work by NEO Legal Services: NEO is a paralegal firm and only makes the referral

Who this service is for

  • Parents or spouses asking for support
  • Payors whose income or circumstances have changed
  • People dealing with arrears or the Family Responsibility Office

Information to have ready

  1. 1Three years of tax returns and notices of assessment, if available
  2. 2Recent pay stubs or business financial statements
  3. 3Any existing support order or agreement and payment records
  4. 4A list of the children's special or extraordinary expenses, with receipts

How a referral works

  1. 1Tell us in a few words what the matter is about, and who else is involved, so we can check for a conflict of interest.
  2. 2We recommend an Ontario lawyer for your matter, and at least one other you could choose instead.
  3. 3The lawyer runs their own conflict check, confirms the scope and quotes the fee, normally in a written retainer agreement.
  4. 4You pay the lawyer's fee to the lawyer. Any referral fee comes out of it, is disclosed to you in writing, and never increases what you pay.

NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm, not a law firm. Every step of a referral, and your rights

Frequently asked questions

What does the lawyer charge?

A typical Ontario fee for this service is $1,200–$3,500, plus HST. The lawyer quotes the actual fee before any work starts. You pay the lawyer directly; the referral itself costs you nothing.

Do I have to go to court?

Not always. Many family matters are resolved through negotiation, mediation or a written agreement, and the lawyer can explain which route may suit your situation.

Can the lawyer help with only part of my case?

Some lawyers offer limited scope help, such as drafting documents or coaching you for one step while you handle the rest. The lawyer confirms in writing exactly which parts they will do.

What if there is family violence or I feel unsafe?

Tell the lawyer right away, because it can change which steps are taken first and how quickly. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Is NEO involved after the referral?

Not in the legal work. Once you hire the lawyer, you work directly with them under their own retainer, and NEO is not a party to that retainer.

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 any issue that is not agreed
  • The lawyer decides whether they can act after checking for conflicts of interest
  • Court dates and limitation periods keep running while you choose a lawyer
Law Society of Ontario — Barreau de l'Ontario
Find it on Apple NewsView full feature on Apple News