Your Personal Finances

Family Issues

When many major events happen in your life, quite often you will need a lawyer. Most people don't have an existing relationship with a lawyer. While we may have financial advisors, doctors, dentists, or tax accountants, we don't usually have a lawyer we visit on a regular basis.

So how do you find a lawyer? There are lots of options.

• ask your financial advisor. Your advisor most likely has a network of professionals who clients can be referred to
• ask friends, colleagues and family if they know a lawyer they could recommend
• ask a community or social service agency for suggestions
• contact the Lawyer Referral Service run by the Law Society of Upper Canada for Ontario or your provincial law society. In Ontario you will get the name of a lawyer who will provide a free half hour consultation. If you are calling regarding domestic abuse or from a shelter or jail, there is no charge for the call. Otherwise you will have to pay a $6.00 fee for making the initial call. Visit www.lsuc.on.ca
• call a community legal clinic
• visit website listings for law firms and lawyers

It is important to find a lawyer who practices the type of law related to your legal situation. For example, in the case of a divorce, you need a lawyer who practices family law. The Law Society offers a list of certified specialists on its website.

How much does a lawyer cost? Most lawyers will offer a free consultation. They will briefly listen to your problem and tell you if they are qualified to help you. For ongoing work, some lawyers charge an hourly rate and cost depends on the time they spend. Others charge a flat rate for certain type of work. Most lawyers will ask for an upfront deposit called a retainer. Some lawyers may bill clients on a sliding scale depending on your income. Always get an estimate of how much the lawyer thinks your case will cost. There is a free Legal Aid service but it is only available in certain legal situations and only for people who have very little or no money left after paying for basic necessities like food and housing.

Always remember to talk to your financial advisor about events that change your life situation. While there may be legal, health or family issues, it is very likely there will be financial issues as well and you will need good financial advice.

More Personal Finances -- Consumer Alert -- Credit/Debt -- Employment Issues -- Family Issues -- Home Ownership