St. Thomas Divorce & Family Law Blog

Something I've learned is that it's so important to take a prospective client through the estimated costs of pursuing a legal matter. There will usually be turns in the road. Photo credit: Jiang Hua While the costs are still estimates, a frank discussion between lawyer and prospective client prior to deciding on a retainer is crucial to a person's satisfaction level with the lawyer they choose. Also, it's crucial to understanding whether it's a good fit.  The costs of litigation can mushroom in a short time because there are so many things that are out of your lawyer's control, especially how a court will decide a procedural matter and what the other side will do. The expectations that are set early on will greatly impact the equality of your working relationship with your lawyer. You should be looking for this when on the initial consultation. I believe that in the intake phone call or questionnaire that you may be asked to fill out would not be the right time ...

  Limitations vs. Delay in Seeking Support One thing you should always discuss with your lawyer early on - preferably at the first consultation - is whether there is a time limit to collect a certain sum of money. In law, there are limitations periods to consider and there is delay.  Photo credit: Jordan Benson What is a Limitations Period? A limitations period means that you have only a certain amount of time to bring someone to court to get something that you believe you are owed. After the time is up, you can't get any relief on that issue. Ontario law sets up certain time limits for certain types of claims. In divorce and family law situations, generally the time limit to make a court application for a property matter is up to 2 years after a divorce, or 6 years after a separation, whichever comes first. For example, if a person and their spouse separate on January 1, 2023, and they own a house and cars together and dispute how much money one of them is owed, but they stil...