The consultation process begins with a brief chat on the phone, free of charge, to assess whether I am
the right lawyer for you.
If we decide to proceed, you will come to my office for a
1½ - 2 hour consultation.
It is important to me that I offer consultations that are cost effective for my clients. For this reason, I ask you to help me help you by preparing for the consultation according to my instructions, which I have refined over my 30 years of practice. In almost all cases I give you my legal opinion at the end of the consultation; your preparation and organization allow me to give you as detailed an opinion as possible.
I normally take complex cases and appeals that involve a parent attempting to maintain a meaningful relationship with his/her children. I welcome legally complex family law cases, even if children are not involved. I do not do uncontested divorces. This page applies to Ontario cases only.
STEP ONE: THE BASICS
Why have a consultation?
A consultation with an experienced family law lawyer will help you assess your legal situation. What is the best approach to achieve your goals? You need to make an informed decision in order to move forward.
Length:
The consultation usually lasts from 1.5 hours to 2 hours. I do not normally charge extra if I take a little longer than estimated.
Payment methods:
I accept cash or bank draft for consultations. (If I become your lawyer, then I thereafter accept personal cheques.)
Availability:
I am available for consultations Monday-Friday during normal business hours. I may be able to schedule meetings at other times if I become your lawyer.
Contact:
Call me at (416) 635-9264. If you are calling from the U.S.A. or for that matter from any number that is long distance, you may call at no charge by accessing my contact page and clicking on the Google Voice icon. You may also skype me at "gcfamlaw".
STEP TWO: PREPARATION
What to bring:
You need to arrange your file and to accomplish that task you will need to gather together the documents you have. It may be advantageous to attend at the court office to ensure that your file is complete.
Continuing Record:
This is usually a red coloured book (or series of books) that includes pleadings, affidavits and financial statements. Go to the court office with your documents so you can compare what you have with what the court has. There is a yellow covered book called "Endorsements". In that book at the front there will be a Table of Contents. Take a copy. Now organize your documents and number the pages exactly as per the court version. If you are missing anything (other than affidavits of service), have copies made and insert them in their proper place. It is especially important that you also copy all orders and endorsements (from the yellow covered Endorsements volume).
Other documents:
There could be other important documents that you may have that are not in the continuing record. Please bring all:
- Case/Settlement/Trial Management Conference Briefs;
- Correspondence (letters and e-mails) arranged by date in chronological order. A 3-ring binder would be helpful;
- Other relevant documents (such as real estate valuations, corporate financial statements, etc.)
Summary/Chronology:
Please list the major issues and events in your case in chronological order. Bring a paper and digital copy.
If step two is too overwhelming, I can help. If you wish, I will send my Law Clerk (at his or her normal hourly rate) to the court office and/or to your home to help you assemble the documents.
If you would like to learn more about my expertise, click here.
