Transparent Fees. No Hidden Costs.
Miao He offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Initial consultation $220 + HST; uncontested divorce from $2,000; separation agreements, prenuptial agreements, and other family law agreements from $2,500; contested family law matters billed hourly in 6-minute units.
Before you sign a Retainer Agreement, Miao He will explain the applicable fee structure, likely costs, and estimated fee ranges based on your matter — so you can understand the costs and risks and decide whether to retain counsel on a fully informed basis.
Page last updated: June 19, 2026
Common Services & Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation (30 minutes) | $220 + HST |
| Uncontested divorce | $2,000 – $3,500 + HST + Disbursements |
| Separation, prenuptial, cohabitation agreements, etc. | $2,500 – $4,500 + HST + Disbursements |
| Family law litigation | Hourly billing |
| Limited Retainer | Billed based on actual work performed |
Uncontested Divorce
For matters where both parties have already agreed on divorce-related issues and only need the divorce process completed.
Unlike some lawyers who only prepare documents, we follow the matter through until the divorce process is complete.
- Review of the parties' agreement
- Preparation and filing of court documents
- Follow-up on court processing
- Obtaining the Divorce Order
- Assistance applying for the Divorce Certificate
Where both parties remain cooperative and the matter does not become contested, no additional legal fees are charged within the fixed fee.
If the nature of the matter changes — for example, one party refuses to cooperate, new disputes arise, or additional steps are required — related costs will be discussed with you in advance.
Separation, Prenuptial & Other Family Law Agreements
This applies to:
- Separation Agreement
- Prenuptial Agreement
- Marriage Contract
- Cohabitation Agreement
The value of an agreement is not measured on signing day, but whether it can withstand court scrutiny years — or even decades — later if a dispute arises.
As a family litigation lawyer, Miao He reviews agreements from the perspective of potential future disputes, aiming to reduce the risk that an agreement is challenged or set aside.
- Understanding both parties' financial circumstances and needs
- Legal advice
- Drafting the agreement
- Revising and negotiating terms
- Assisting with the signing process
- Coordinating Independent Legal Advice (ILA)
Family Law Litigation
This applies to:
- Contested divorce
- Property division
- Child custody and decision-making responsibility
- Parenting time
- Child support
- Spousal support
- Domestic violence-related proceedings
- Cross-border family law disputes
- Recovery of overseas assets
Family law litigation cannot be offered on a single fixed-fee basis for all cases.
Total fees depend on:
- Complexity of the dispute
- Cooperation from the other party
- Number of court steps
- Volume of document preparation
- Whether a trial is required
Legal fees are billed by time. Each 6 minutes is one billing unit.
Billable work includes:
- Legal research
- Document drafting
- Court appearances
- Pre-hearing preparation
- Communications with opposing counsel
- Mediation and settlement negotiations
- Client meetings
- Phone and email communications
- Document review
All time spent on your file is recorded and reflected on your invoice — no hidden charges.
Limited Retainer
A Limited Retainer means the lawyer handles specific tasks in your matter — not the entire case.
This may suit:
- Self-represented litigants
- Document review only
- Legal advice only
- Drafting of specific court documents
- Appearance at a single hearing
- Matters near conclusion that need a specific final step
A limited retainer can help you control legal costs while obtaining professional support at critical stages.
If you are considering self-representation but are unsure how to proceed, feel free to ask whether a limited retainer is appropriate for your situation.
About Disbursements
Disbursements are third-party costs paid on your behalf. They are separate from legal fees and itemized clearly on your invoice.
Common court fees currently include:
- Divorce Application Filing Fee: $224
- Divorce Order Fee: $445
- Divorce Certificate: $25
These amounts are paid to the court, not to your lawyer. Court fee schedules may change; please refer to the court's latest published rates.
- Process server fees
- Notarization and certification
- Translation and interpretation
- Business valuation reports
- Financial expert reports
- Government search fees
- Courier and mailing costs
All disbursements are itemized separately on your invoice — no hidden charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a divorce lawyer typically charge?
Generally, an uncontested divorce is typically $2,000 to $3,500 plus HST, court fees, and disbursements. Contested matters are usually billed hourly, and total fees vary depending on complexity and how the case progresses.
Is the initial consultation fee charged?
Generally, yes. The 30-minute initial consultation is $220 + HST. There is no obligation to retain counsel afterward.
Can I consult first before deciding whether to hire a lawyer?
Typically, yes. Many clients use an initial consultation to understand their situation, likely fee ranges, and legal risks before deciding whether to formally retain a lawyer.
If the matter ends early, will unused legal fees be refunded?
Under Law Society of Ontario rules, generally any unused portion of a prepaid retainer deposit — after deducting fees for work already completed — is typically returned to the client. The exact process depends on your retainer agreement and LSO requirements.
Can I retain a lawyer for only part of the work?
Generally, yes. A Limited Retainer typically allows you to retain counsel for specific tasks only, without full-case representation. The scope is set out in the Retainer Agreement.
*Legal fees vary depending on the complexity and circumstances of each matter. The fee ranges above are for general reference only and do not constitute a quote for any specific case.*
Our Commitment to Transparent Fees
Miao He believes clients have the right to understand likely costs and risks before retaining a lawyer.
Before you sign a Retainer Agreement, Miao He will:
- Understand your matter
- Explain how fees are charged
- Outline likely costs
- Provide a reasonable fee estimate
- Discuss how different approaches may affect total cost
A lawyer's role is not only to provide legal services, but to help clients make informed decisions based on cost, risk, and benefit.
Transparent fees. Clear communication. No hidden charges.
