FAQ

The first step is to reach out to HCLS, if you already know what you need, you can do so directly from our Services page. 

If you can't find what you're looking for or require a consultation, you can contact HCLS through our Contact Page, by e-mail or by giving us a call. 

After your initial contact, you will have to fill out our standard Intake Form to allow us to better understand your situation and determine if, and how, we can assist you. 

While we value all of our prospective clients, there are certain matters that we are unable to assist with. For example, we would not be able to act in cases where:

1. There is a conflict of interest;
2. The legal problem involves an area of law that we do not practice;
3. The legal problem is situated in a jurisdiction that we do not practice in. 

We endeavour to respond to you within two (2) business days after receiving any correspondence from you. 

At HCLS, initial consultations are a paid service, a policy rooted in the value we place on the professional expertise of our lawyers. Consultations are not just an exchange of time; they are an impartation of years of specialized education, experience, and training. 

Unlike free consultations, which are often constrained by time limits (typically 30 minutes) and only serve to go over the most basic administrative questions, HCLS's consultations allow for a comprehensive understanding of your situation and legal needs. 

This approach enables us to offer targeted, effective, and high-quality legal assistance from the outset. You can expect to receive tangible value and concrete support for your legal matters after a consultation.

Legal Services Retainer: For general legal services, our standard retainer fee ranges from $1,000 to $2,000. This fee ensures that we can allocate the appropriate resources and attention to your legal needs right from the start.

Legal Representation Retainer: For full legal representation, which includes representation in court, negotiations, and comprehensive case management, our standard retainer ranges from $2,500 to $3,500. This higher retainer reflects the additional time and resources required for extensive legal representation.

What Does the Retainer Cover? The retainer fee serves as a pre-payment toward your account for future legal services. It will be deposited into our trust account and billed against for the legal services provided at an agreed-upon hourly rate. Regular billing statements will be provided, detailing the services rendered and the costs applied against your retainer. Should the cost of services exceed the initial retainer, you will be required to pay off any outstanding balance and replenish your retainer.

Our financial records offer thoroughness, comprehensiveness, and readability. All invoiced tasks are meticulously dated and documented, providing clear insight for clients into the work performed, the time expended, and the responsible team member. Our accounts ensure complete transparency and accountability regarding the services we’ve delivered.

Family Law matters are inherently uncertain, and consequently, it is frequently challenging to forecast costs beyond a certain expected range. However, in select cases where our experience allows for reliable estimates, we provide written solid estimates and stand by them.

Factors that can decrease your legal fees​:

• Parties agree to the principal issues
• Parties are reasonable about the outcome
• Client is prepared and organized to provide the necessary information
• Client is focused on the legal issues

Factors that increase legal fees​

• Parties disagree on minor and major issues
• At least one party has unreasonable expectations
• At least one party refuses to cooperate
• At least one party is focused on non-legal issues such as vengeance or ill-will

Since the changes in regulations by the Law Society of Ontario and the Ontario government in March 2020, Home Counsel Legal Services (HCLS) is pleased to offer Online Notarization and Commissioning services. Leveraging our in-depth experience and technology, we've streamlined the online notarization and commissioning process to offer a quick and convenient service to our customers.

As a Notary Public, we oversee and certify the signing of essential legal documents. Our professionals are adept at validating the authenticity of signatures, conducting oaths and affirmations, and ensuring your documents meet the requirements for international use.

Furthermore, as authorized Commissioners of Oaths, we are qualified to administer legal oaths and affirmations and to officially certify documents within Ontario. Our team is proficient in handling a variety of legal documents, including but not limited to affidavits and statutory declarations.

Documents Eligible for Online Notarization:

1. Various types of affidavits, including identity, service, and divorce-related;

2. Statutory Declarations (e.g., progress payment declarations, OSAP declaration, custodianship declaration, common-law declaration);

3. Automobile Proof of Loss Insurance Forms;

4. Name Change Applications;

5. Attestations

6. Documents requiring a Commissioner of Oaths

Disclaimer: While we can confirm our ability to notarize these documents, it's your responsibility to ensure they'll be accepted by the party requesting them. If in doubt, we strongly recommend you reach out to the requesting party for confirmation.

Documents Not Eligible for Online Notarization with HCLS:

1. Real Estate Documents (check with the respective brokerage or third-party);

2. Documents requiring Legalization and Authentication through ODS and a consulate or embassy;

3. Separation Agreements;

4. Wills and Powers of Attorney;

5. Sworn statements for a family gift of a used motor vehicle in Ontario;

6. Consent to Travel Letters.

Please note that most documents still require traditional, in-person notarization. Feel free to consult us at HCLS for such accommodations.