What does it cost?
your unique situation and budget.
What will it cost?
Our Approach
We use a value-based billing approach. With most files, this is often accomplished by flat fee or subscription services. Below are some sample flat fee services. A subscription is often used when individuals need ongoing support and want to be able to get help a number of times spread out over several months.
Service Agreements and Technology
We ensure our clients fully understand the services that we will provide and the cost for those services. This is outlined in the Service Agreement. If a fee is not in the agreement, you will not be charged for that service unless you agree in advance and in writing. In a value-based approach, there should be no surprises.
We can provide affordable services by utilizing technology. We use advanced industry programs to minimize costs and improve service. We send invoices and correspondence by email. You can pay your bill online with our LawPay platform. Our goal is great service.
Representation
We want you to be in control. Therefore, we do not act as your legal representative unless you specifically authorize us to do so. We will not negotiate on your behalf, bind you to any agreements, sign documents, or communicate with the court, other lawyers, or any other party unless you tell us to. This keeps you in control and avoids run away costs.
If you authorize us to act on your behalf when dealing with the court, lawyers, or other third parties, we will be clear that our involvement is limited and that you still represent yourself.
Client privilege and protections
Some people worry that, by using unbundled services or legal coaching, they will not have the same client protections as a full service client. Regardless of the service you choose, you have the same legal protection as any other client. You are protected by solicitor/client privilege and we have to act in your interest. It does not matter if we coach you on a dispute resolution strategy, ghost write a letter for you, or run a trial – you are protected.
Flat Fee Scenarios
0The following is not an exhaustive list of services. Rates do not include tax and are based upon the client ensuring that the lawyer has all of the material required to complete the task. Some of these services require an initial, in-person legal consultation.*
| Notarizing Affidavits | $50 |
| Drafting a Response to Family Claim | $350 |
| Drafting Ghost Letters | $250 |
| Drafting Demand Letters | $250 |
| Drafting a List of Documents (less that 15 items) | $900 |
| Attending Court for 1st Appearance | $300-$600 |
| Attending Court as Agent for Adjournment | $300-$600 |
| Drafting a Notice of Family Claim | $750 |
| Drafting a Counterclaim | $750 |
| Employment Contracts | $950 |
| Home Renovation Contracts (less than $50,000) | $950 |
| Financial Statements | $600-$1,200 |
| Legal Consultation | $400 |
| Preparing Affidavits 1-5 pages | $500-$1,500 |
| Preparing for a Case Conference | $850-$1,500 |
| Attending a Case Conference | $950-$1,500 |
| Separation Agreement (without children) | $2,000 |
| Desk Order Divorce (without children) | $2,000 including filing fees |
| Cohabitation and Marriage Agreements | $2,000 |
| Incorporation (BC) | $3,500 |
| New Build Contracts (cost+) | $3,500 |
| New Build Contracts (fixed fee) | $4,500 |
| 1/2 Day Hearing (Provincial Court) | $4,500 |
| 1/2 Day BC Supreme Court Appearance | $4,500 |
*The cost of an initial legal consultation is $400 plus tax. This is required for our lawyer to assess your legal rights, obligations, and options, and to advise you appropriately.
Subscription Scenarios
Orrin owns a restaurant and needs to go to a lawyer every few months to discuss many different problems ranging from employee theft, employment contracts, issues with his liquor license, and his landlord. Over the last few years, he has only consulted a lawyer on the “big” issues. Unfortunately, a few “little” issues were ignored and became far more serious. He did not consult his lawyer on the “little” issues because of the cost.
Orrin purchased a 12-month subscription, which meant that he could call anytime to get immediate advice on all of his issues. The cost worked out to be $165 per month.
Sue wanted to complete her own divorce. She had all of the necessary documents, but she was unsure of the procedure. When her first try was rejected by the court, she sought help. Sue purchased a three-month coaching package for $125 per month. For this, we reviewed and corrected the court documents. She looked after filing the documents and having them properly served. We prepared and notarized the Divorce Affidavit and prepared the divorce package to be submitted to the court.
Karl was having his house renovated. The contractor sent him a bill for $45,000 more than the price they had agreed upon. Karl is now being sued in small claims court. Karl had been quoted $15,000 to $20,000 to have a lawyer run the case, but he chose to represent himself. Karl had two consultations, for $800, to learn about his rights and develop a trial strategy. He then chose an 18-month subscription plan at $100 per month for ongoing advice. This was extended by three months as the case took longer to get to trial. He also decided that he did not want to attend the settlement conference alone, so he used a flat fee service of $450 to have a lawyer attend the conference. He also paid for additional research at $200 and additional drafting at $350. His total legal bill came to $3,900.
Subscription prices are based on your individual situation, and vary as circumstances change. The subscription agreement will clearly define the scope of work. We will not increase the scope of work without your written agreement. This means that you will never get a nasty surprise when you open your invoice.
Additional Information
Do I have to pay a retainer and can I have credit?
Most of our clients pay by credit card or e-transfer. When we receive your money, we will render you an invoice or keep your money in a trust account, regulated by the Law Society of British Columbia, until we bill you. The trust account is fully insured and your money is safe. For more information from the Law Society of BC, click here.
We do not offer credit. When businesses offer credit, they invariably end up not being paid by some clients. The losses created by these bad debts are passed on to the other clients. By not offering credit, we remove the risk and pass the savings on to you.
What are disbursements?
How will I pay my bill?
You can pay your fees by credit card or e-transfer. We do accept cheques. However, there are Law Society limits on how much cash we can accept. If you wish to pay cash, please contact our office in advance
Contact Butterfield Law
Unsure of where to start? We will help you determine the best legal approach to your situation.
Address
402-2020 RICHMOND RD
VICTORIA, BC V8R 6R5
Call or Fax Us
Phone: (250) 382-4529
Fax: (250) 480-1896