Fees and Retainer

RETAINER AND PAYMENT POLICY

Before we perform any work, we will ask you to pay a retainer fee and to sign a retainer agreement. A retainer fee is a lump sum of money paid to a lawyer to secure services of the lawyer and to cover legal fees, disbursements and other future expenses related to your matter. The amount of the retainer depends on your situation. The retainer amount is kept in the lawyer’s trust account, and paid to the lawyer only after the client has been billed for the services. A retainer agreement is the contract you sign with your lawyer which authorizes your lawyer to act on your behalf, and sets out hourly rate of the lawyer.

Galyna’s current rate is $280.00 per hour plus H.S.T.

Unfortunately, due to the nature of the areas of the law practice, it is impossible to predict the amount the services will cost. Preparation of a separation agreement, for example, may cost from $700 up to $4,000, depending on the situation. The process of preparation of a separation agreement may involve extensive negotiations with the opposing party, consultations with a client, and even retainer of an expert to evaluate a party’s business. As a result, there is no fixed rate for any service we do.

Cost of an independent legal advice will also depend on the amount of work a lawyer has to perform. Consultation with respect to a simple 2-page employment contract will cost obviously less than explanation of a complex separation agreement. 

Trials are expensive. Therefore, settlements are encouraged by lawyers and by courts.