Our Fees
The fees we charge for legal services will depend on the nature of the case. We are able to give an estimate of our fees only after an initial interview with a client. Our fees will depend on:
  • The amount of time required to do the work;
  • The results achieved;
  • The monetary values involved in the matter;
  • The urgency and legal complexity of the matter;
  • The ability of the client to pay.
Fixed Fees
For routine matters such as buying or selling a house, mortgages, simple wills, power of attorney and incorporations, we can generally quote a fixed fee. This fee may be increased if an unexpected complication arises which necessitates significant extra work. We will immediately advise our client if such a complication arises.
Hourly Rates
For many types of files, it is difficult to estimate the amount of work involved in advance. In these cases, we keep track of our time and charge by the hour. We will discuss with our clients the hourly rate, and receive instructions on just how much work we are to do. We will also provide the client with itemized bills on a regular basis.
Disbursements
We often disburse funds out of our own account on behalf of clients. These disbursements may include:
  • Long distance charges
  • Postage
  • Photocopying
  • Deliveries
  • Computer research charges
  • Court, Corporations Branch and Land Titles filing and search fees
  • Process servers' charges
On most real estate files, we are able to bear the cost of disbursements ourselves until closing, at which time we will receive from the client all of the funds necessary to complete the transaction, including our fees and disbursements.
Retainer
In most cases, other than real estate files, we will require a retainer to cover anticipated disbursements and part of our fees. We will discuss the amount and purpose of the retainer with our client before opening the file.
Retainer funds are always held in trust, and cannot be used by us until a written account has been sent to the client.

Profile | Contacting us | Fee Information | Buying a House | Making a Will |
Powers of Attorney | Trade-marks | Marriage in Ontario | Main

Malcolm A.F. Stockton
Barrister, Solicitor & Trade-mark Agent
4786 Queen Street, Box 868
Niagara Falls ON
Canada L2E 6V6
stockton@iaw.com