How Much Does a Family Lawyer Cost in BC?
This answer covers the law of British Columbia.
There is no single price for a family lawyer in British Columbia, and the total depends mostly on how much of your matter you hand to a lawyer and how much you and your spouse can agree on. Disputes that go to court generally involve more work than matters settled by agreement, and a lawyer can explain what to expect on your facts.
You do not have to hire a lawyer for the whole matter. Unbundling means a lawyer provides services for part of your legal matter, and you and the lawyer decide which tasks each will do. Family Justice Centres offer free services on parenting arrangements, guardianship, child and spousal support and more, and family justice counsellors provide mediation. The Online Divorce Assistant works only where both spouses agree on all issues.
If family violence is part of your situation, Family Law Centres give free legal help to survivors who cannot afford a lawyer, but you must also have at least one additional eligible legal issue. Some referred services are based on financial need, so you may be asked about income.
Key takeaways
- The total depends mostly on how much of your matter a lawyer handles and how much you and your spouse can settle by agreement.
- Unbundling lets you and a lawyer split the tasks so the lawyer does only part of your matter.
- Family Justice Centres offer free services on parenting arrangements, guardianship, child and spousal support, and more.
- Some referred services are based on financial need, so you may be asked about income.