Changing a final family order for changed circumstances.
Family timelines depend on the court, the other party and whether the matter settles; the lawyer confirms the steps and any deadlines in writing before work starts. Ontario Done by an Ontario lawyer, by referral
What is included
Confirms the scope of the work with you in a written retainer
Reviews your situation and explains the options, including negotiation, mediation and court
Prepares the court forms, affidavits and financial statements your case needs
Negotiates with the other party or their lawyer
Represents you at case conferences, motions, settlement conferences and trial, as agreed
Drafts consent orders or minutes of settlement when an agreement is reached
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
Spouses or partners who are separating or have separated
Parents working out decision-making responsibility, parenting time or support
People who have been served with family court papers
Anyone who wants independent advice before signing a family agreement
Information to have ready
1Any court papers, orders or agreements you already have
2Key dates: marriage or moving in together, separation and the children's birth dates
3Recent income information, such as tax returns and notices of assessment
4A list of property and debts, with recent statements
5Names of the other people involved, so the lawyer can check for conflicts
How a referral works
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.
2We recommend an Ontario lawyer for your matter, and at least one other you could choose instead.
3The lawyer runs their own conflict check, confirms the scope and quotes the fee, normally in a written retainer agreement.
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.
A typical Ontario fee for this service is $2,500–$7,500, 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