how much does a divorce lawyer cost in ontario

It is quite common for lawyers at large firms to have hourly rates of $400 per hour and more. However, an hourly rate of approximately $327.50 is fairly common of the prevailing rates across Ontario for divorce lawyers practicing 6 to 10 years.

Full Answer

How much does a divorce cost in Ontario?

Jan 26, 2019 · According to the Canadian Legal Fees Survey, the actual cost for divorce averages $1,353 for an uncontested divorce and $12,875 for a contested divorce. Taking the divorce to court could cost you over $50,000. Although divorce is expensive, failure to file for divorce and choosing to live with your spouse could negatively affect you.

How much does a family lawyer cost in Ontario?

Jul 25, 2019 · Regardless of field of law in which they practise, most lawyers in Ontario charge by the hour. For family lawyers in the urban regions of the province, hourly rates typically start at around $250 per hour. Senior family lawyers can charge upwards of $700 per hour, depending on their level of expertise. On average, however, the hourly rate for an experienced family law …

How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Saskatchewan?

Jun 22, 2021 · You could spend $10,000 or more securing a simple or uncontested divorce through a traditional divorce lawyer and up to $50,000 if you go to Ontario divorce court. Most Ontario family lawyers charge $250 an hour or more — and you can pay substantial miscellaneous costs, right down to every email, phone call or photocopy your lawyer makes, on top of that.

Should I hire a divorce lawyer in Ottawa?

Jul 09, 2019 · In the final analysis, whether your divorce will be in the $5,000 to $20,000 or higher will depend on several factors. Where you fall in this range is difficult to say and it’s doubtful any lawyer can say for certain.

How much does it cost to get a divorce in Ontario?

According to the Canadian Legal Fees Survey, the actual cost for divorce averages $1,353 for an uncontested divorce and $12,875 for a contested divorce. Taking the divorce to court could cost you over $50,000.

Do you need a lawyer to get a divorce in Ontario?

No you don't need a lawyer to divorce in Ontario, but wisdom would dictate that you do. Saying this, you are not required to use a lawyer or other professionals to Divorce in Ontario.

How long does a divorce take in Ontario?

4 to 6 monthsIn Ontario, How Long Does it Take to Get a Divorce? In general, a simple divorce can be completed in 4 to 6 months when matters such as custody hearings and property division are taken into account; however, contested and complicated divorces that involve courtroom litigation can take longer.

What is a wife entitled to in a divorce in Ontario?

What is a Spouse Entitled to in a Divorce in Ontario? As a spouse, you may be entitled to economic support and/or property upon divorce or separation. Your entitlement will depend on different factors, such as whether you were in a common-law relationship or legally married, and if you and your spouse have children.

What happens if one spouse doesn't want a divorce?

If your spouse won't engage in your divorce, then your only option for ending your marriage will have to be to go to court. Mediation will be a waste of time because your spouse won't participate. Collaborative divorce won't work. You will have to litigate your divorce.

Does it matter who files for divorce first in Ontario?

It does not matter which one of you decided to leave. In fact, the law gives you the choice of applying to the court together to ask for a divorce.

Who serves divorce papers in Ontario?

These documents must be served by a:friend or family member who is at least 18 years old.professional process server (someone you pay to serve your documents)

How does adultery affect divorce in Ontario?

In Ontario (as elsewhere in Canada), the laws relating to divorce based on adultery are governed by the federal Divorce Act, which explains that a “breakdown of a marriage is established only if the spouses have lived separate and apart for at least one year or the spouse against whom the divorce proceeding is brought ...

What’s the difference between a separation and a divorce?

One of the main differences is that in a divorce, both partners sign a divorce agreement and file the necessary paperwork in the counties in which...

Must both of the spouses live in Ontario to get a divorce?

For the divorce to be granted, only one of the spouses must have lived in Ontario for at least 1 year. Both you and your spouse need to be separate...

Can the court grant me a divorce if I have a marriage certificate issued by another county?

The court can grant you a divorce even if you were married in another jurisdiction. You can successfully apply for a divorce if you or your spouse...

What should I do after I have been served with divorce papers?

Once the divorce papers have been served, you have 2 years to consent to the divorce. Choosing to ignore the papers could cause you to lose your le...

Do I need to attend court proceedings?

You’ll not be required to attend court proceedings if you’re being represented by a divorce lawyer. However, you will need to retain a lawyer for a...

What papers do I need to prepare for the divorce process?

Your lawyer may ask you to provide a copy of the following documents; Your tax returns, Deeds to all property owned by you or your spouse, Declarat...

How long does it take to get a divorce in Ontario?

It can take four to six months in average from filing your application up until your divorce takes effect. However, several factors will determine...

Should I postpone my appointment if I cannot find all these documents?

You don’t have to postpone your appointment; your divorce lawyer will guide you through the legal procedure required to obtaining those documents.

How much does a family lawyer charge in Ontario?

Most Ontario family lawyers charge $250 an hour or more — and you can pay substantial miscellaneous costs, right down to every email, phone call or photocopy your lawyer makes, on top of that. If you have been living separate and apart emotionally for at least a year, even while occupying a jointly owned matrimonial home, ...

Is international divorce legal in Canada?

International divorces are legal in Canada if you or your spouse have a real and substantial connection to the country where the divorce occurred. For example, if you were born abroad, lived together in a foreign country or your spouse ordinarily lived there for at least a year before divorcing.

Do you have to pay child support in Ontario?

Child support laws in Ontario require divorced couples to provide financially for minor children, based on their incomes and assets . Adopted children or stepchildren you care for as your own are your legal and financial responsibility. Spousal support or child support payments the court orders or parents agree to voluntarily are an ongoing obligation, even if you live outside Ontario .

Is it legal to marry in Ontario?

Foreign marriages are generally legal in Ontario if you were eligible to marry under Canadian law. Regardless of religious beliefs, you must have been at least 18 — or 16 to 17 if your parents consent — when you married and willingly agreed to and understood you were being married, not have been related by blood or adoption or consented to polygamy.

What is the cost for Mediation?

If you go the mediation route, you can avoid high legal costs but don’t think you can eliminate them entirely. Generally, the mediator’s fees are split in some proportion between the parties. But you will need to consult with a lawyer at least before you start a mediation to inform yourself about you rights and obligations, so you are informed.

What can the Collaborative Process Cost?

If you go the collaborative route, the cost is potentially higher than mediation because you hire a lawyer for representing you throughout the process.

What kind of fees can you expect in the collaborative process cost?

This is hard to say. For a simple collaborative process, you might be able to do it for a fixed fee. For more complex cases, the cost will depend on the time. But for preparing financial disclosures and negotiating parenting arrangements the costs are comparable or less than in mediation. But far less than in litigation.

Fixed cost option

Some lawyers have started providing collaborative services for a block fee. This is a fixed costs from beginning to end, the signed final agreement. But not all cases will be suited to the block fee service. This will depend on the complexity of the issues and the parties ability to deal with each other.

Tips to save money

Choose your lawyer carefully. The lawyer’s hourly rate is not the only consideration but how the lawyer approaches the file. Is the lawyer focused on settlement.

Summary of Prices

In the final analysis, whether your divorce will be in the $5,000 to $20,000 or higher will depend on several factors. Where you fall in this range is difficult to say and it’s doubtful any lawyer can say for certain.