Retainer - MARRIAGE CONTRACT/COHABITATION AGREEMENT

  1. I, the undersigned, hereby retain and employ Lawrence S. Pascoe as my solicitor and hereby authorize him to represent me in the negotiations and drafting of a Marriage Contract or Cohabitation Agreement.
  2. I understand that I will be requested to provide an advance on my account of legal fees and disbursements. I understand that the initial advance is $600.00 plus HST if Lawrence S. Pascoe is drafting the agreement, and $325 plus HST if he is advising as to a contract or an agreement drafted by another lawyer or mediator.
  3. I understand that the legal fees for this matter if Lawrence S. Pascoe is drafting the agreement will be based on a block fee of $900.00 plus HST. I understand that if much more than the standard amount of time is needed, such as for major negotiations, the extra work is billed at the standard hourly rate of $325.00 per hour plus HST.
  4. I understand that the legal fees for this matter if Lawrence S. Pascoe is not drafting the agreement will be based on an hourly rate of $325.00 per hour plus HST, with a minimum of one hour plus HST.
  5. I understand that in addition to the legal fees, my bill will include reasonable and necessary disbursements of money paid on my behalf.

ACKNOWLEGMENT OF LIMITATIONS OF THE AGREEMENT

  1. I understand that there are limitations to Marriage Contracts and Cohabitation Agreements with respect to the matrimonial home and the custody and support of children. I understand that the contract can be set aside for failure to make full financial disclosure, failure of a party to understand the nature and consequences of the contract and for all common law contractual requirements such as duress, undue influence, fraud, unconscionability, fundamental breach and other equitable grounds. I understand that the support provisions of the contract may be set aside if my future spouse or partner is receiving social assistance.
  2. I also understand that I should govern my financial affairs keeping in my mind my contract and that I should have a proper Will and Powers of Attorney that co-ordinate with my contract.

DATED at Ottawa, Ontario, this __________ day of ___________________, 20_____.

___________________________________________
Signature

Credit cards accepted

Fees as of January 1st, 2011