Practice areas
Seven areas, not fifteen. What we don't practice — criminal, immigration, patents — we refer you to a competent colleague, at no charge, the same day.
Fees, no runaround
The bill is the number one source of stress in a legal case. We tackle it head-on at the first meeting, in writing.
Taxes extra. Court, bailiff and expert fees are rebilled at actual cost, with supporting documents. Cash, check, transfer, credit — and payment plans available on packages.
Legal aid accepted
The firm accepts legal aid mandates in family law and employment law. If you're eligible, your case costs you little or nothing: we check your eligibility for free over the phone.
Written estimate
After the consultation, you receive a written mandate: planned steps, estimated hours for each, and the likely total amount. If the case shifts, we call before committing more hours.
When we say no
If your chances are low, or costs will exceed what you can recover, we tell you at the first meeting. You pay for the consultation, not three years of pointless proceedings.
What happens after your call
Free 10-minute call
We check there's no conflict of interest, that this is our area of practice, and that no statute of limitations is working against you.
45-minute consultation, $75
At the office, by phone or video call. Bring your documents. You leave with a clear opinion and your options, even if you don't retain us.
Written mandate and retainer
Steps, timeline, estimated costs. Nothing starts until you've signed and understood. The retainer is deposited in a trust account, as required by the Barreau.
Negotiation before trial
Nine cases out of ten settle without going before a judge. We negotiate hard, but never sign an agreement that disadvantages you just to move faster.
Representation in court
If it has to be argued, we argue it. You're prepared in advance: what will be said, what you'll be asked, and what a day at the courthouse looks like.
Frequently asked questions
The six we hear every week, answered without jargon.
How much will it cost me overall?
An uncontested divorce: about $2,500 all-in. A contested custody case: $6,000 to $20,000 depending on how hard the other side fights. We give you a written range after the consultation, and revise it if the case changes.
How long does it take?
A will: two weeks. A formal notice: a few days. An uncontested divorce: three to six months. A civil trial in Quebec City: eighteen months to three years. Court delays are unfortunately not up to us.
Do I really need a lawyer?
For small claims, no: lawyer representation isn't allowed there, but we can prepare your file. For anything touching your kids, your home or your job, the $75 consultation often saves you a five-figure mistake.
Am I eligible for legal aid?
It depends on your income, family situation and case type. Call us: Véronique checks the thresholds with you in ten minutes, at no charge, before even booking a consultation.
Is everything confidential?
Yes. Solicitor-client privilege applies from the first call, even if you don't become a client. Your documents are kept under lock and on an encrypted server in Quebec, and destroyed per the schedule set by the Barreau.
Is there a deadline to act?
Often, yes: three years for most civil claims, 45 days to contest a dismissal under the Act respecting labour standards, six months for certain claims against a municipality. Call early rather than late.