Name change application. Divorce, separation agreements, parenting, support and family law documentation.
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.
Family court timing depends on the court and on both parties; the steps the firm will take are confirmed in writing before work starts. Ontario Licensed paralegal firm (LSO P21785)
What is included
Confirming which application applies, for an adult or a child
Explaining the Change of Name Act process and the documents ServiceOntario asks for
Preparing the application to the Office of the Registrar General, where the firm's licence permits
Commissioning the sworn statements the application needs
Referral to a lawyer if a court order is needed, for example when consent is refused
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
1Birth certificate or other proof of identity and status
2Marriage or divorce documents, if they relate to the change
3For a child, the details of everyone with decision-making responsibility
4Any court order about the child
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost?+
The fee is $600 plus 13% HST ($678.00 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.
Do both parents need to agree to change a child's surname?+
Usually each person with decision-making responsibility for the child must consent. If someone refuses, a court order may be needed.
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