Fees

Retainer

1. I, the undersigned, hereby retain and employ Lawrence S. Pascoe as my solicitor and hereby authorize him to represent me in my matrimonial dispute and to take such actions, conduct such proceedings, perform such services, make such disbursements and employ such counsel, agents and other experts as he considers necessary or proper for the conduct of such matters on my behalf.

2. I understand that I will be requested to provide an advance on my account of legal fees and disbursements from time to time. I understand that the initial advance is generally $1,000.00. This money will be held in his trust account to my credit to be applied toward such disbursements and legal fees when incurred. I UNDERSTAND THAT WORK WILL NOT BE PERFORMED UNLESS SUFFICIENT ADVANCES ARE PAID TO COVER THE WORK TO BE PERFORMED.

3. I understand that the legal fees for this matter will be based primarily on an hourly rate which is presently $275.00 per hour. I understand that certain services such as agreements, divorce documentation and major reporting letters, will be charged on a block fee basis. However, in fixing the final fee, the following matters may be taken into account:(a) The difficulty and importance of the matter;
(b) Whether special skills or services have been required or provided;
(c) The amount involved or the value of the subject matter;
(d) The results obtained;
(e) The certainty of the compensation;
(f) The urgency of the matter.

I understand the hourly rate is usually increased each September l. If I am notified that the hourly rate has increased, I agree to pay the new hourly rate on work commenced two weeks after such notification is given to me.

4. I understand that in addition to the legal fees, my bill will include reasonable and necessary disbursements of money paid by the firm on my behalf as well as the goods and services tax on my legal fees and non court disbursements.

5. I understand that in the course of this matter, the firm may receive monies in trust from third parties to my credit. I authorize Lawrence S. Pascoe to deduct from such monies his legal fees and disbursements in this matter or other matters in which the firm has been retained by me.

6. I agree that all accounts, including interim accounts, are payable upon receipt and I agree to pay interest on any amounts outstanding for more than thirty (30) days in accordance with the Solicitor’s Act.

7. I understand that this retainer in no way prevents me from having my account reviewed if I so desire. I understand there is an assessment officer of the Ontario Court in Ottawa who has the power to review lawyers’ accounts. This assessment must be done within 30 days of receipt of my account.

8. I have received Lawrence Pascoe’s Memorandum on Legal Fees for Family Law Files.DATED at ___________, this ___ day of ______, ____.

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