Payment Structure - Separation and Divorce Consulting

Fees and Consulting Retainers

All new clients of Separation and Divorce Consulting receives a complimentary 30 minute consultation regarding what services are being sought and where the client is in their divorce process. This complimentary session also offers the client and the consultant an opportunity to determine if the working relationship is what the client is seeking and if the consultant and client are a good match. If the client agrees to enter into a working relationship with the consultant and the consultant agrees the working relationship is a good match, the client can select one of the retainers below for their convenience and savings.

NOTE: The hourly fee is set at $140 per hour which is required to be paid at least 24 hours in advance of all scheduled sessions, via e-transfer only. All clients are required to enter into a consultant/client contract for your protection and ours, prior to your first session.

Retainer A

Prepaid $500.00

3.5 hours of one-to-one personal consulting time
30 minutes free (value $70.00)
4 hours in total with your Consultant

Consulting can be via video with MS Teams, in -person (Victoria, BC), or on the telephone

Retainer B

Prepaid $1000.00

7 hours of one-to-one personal consulting time
1 hour free (value $140.00)
8 hours in total with your Consultant

Consulting can be via video with MS Teams, in -person (Victoria, BC), or on the telephone

Retainer C

Prepaid $1500.00

11 hours of one-to-one personal consulting time
2 hours free (value $280.00)
13 hours in total with your Consultant

Consulting can be via video with MS Teams, in -person (Victoria, BC), or on the telephone

Retainer D

Prepaid $2000.00

14 hours of one-to-one personal consulting time
3 hours free (value $420.00)
17 hours in total with your Consultant

Consulting can be via video with MS Teams, in -person (Victoria, BC), or on the telephone

Determining the Right Retainer for You

When considering what retainer is right for you it is important to put thought into the following:

How far are you in your case? If you are only a few months into your divorce or separation, you may require more hours than someone at the end of their case. Savings are built into each retainer for longer term cases.
Are you separating from a high conflict individual? If so, your case can last for years (but hopefully not)
How versed are you on legal documentation, family law, alternative dispute resolutions? Do you need extensive training on how and what to document, how you present to your lawyer, and to the courts?
Where are you emotionally in your process? For those who are still emotionally heightened, more intensive work may be required in learning how to effectively communicate with your lawyer and your ex-spouse.
Do you have a parenting plan in place? How do you communicate with your children about your divorce?

These are a few of the things to consider in your situation. Every case is unique and will require a different strategy to ensure the best possible outcome. The goal is to have your case completed as soon as possible.

Each person is invited to discuss openly their needs and their financial situation with their consultant so the most comprehensive and cost effective strategy can be developed.

Transparent Invoicing - It's not complicated!

Your retainer is invoiced on a bi-monthly or monthly basis, depending on your preference. Each pre-scheduled session is a minimum of one hour to develop a strategy, set goals, and determine what the next session will entail. This strategy ensures your consultant knows your case comprehensively, maybe even better than your lawyer or best friend. This one hour session requirement ensures you and your consultant remain focused and goal oriented so your money works for you.

At times, there may be impromptu phone calls initiated by you when a crisis is occurring, your lawyer may need to speak with your consultant, or behind the scenes work needs to be completed by your consultant, to mention a few scenarios. These tasks may be short in duration or more time may need to be devoted. Your consultant does not act or reduce your retainer without your informed consent. All time spent on your case is deducted in 5 minute increments and will be outlined on your invoice as to where your money has been applied.

Should your case be completed before your retainer is depleted, the balance will be refunded to you within 15 days of you notifying your consultant and as confirmed by your legal counsel or court order.

NOTE: there are no refunds on retainers other than your case coming to conclusion and you deciding you are no longer in need of consulting services OR your consultant has closed your file for any reason, which will be discussed in advance of your file closing.

**NOTE: Employees of Separation and Divorce Consulting are not an attorneys or mental health providers, therefore we cannot provide you with legal advice or mental health advice. However, we can assist you with finding an appropriate service provider in your community to meet your needs during our work together**