Common Legal Questions — Answered in Plain English

The best approach: start with specialization. Family law, criminal, immigration, and real estate are very different fields — a generalist may not serve you well. Then:

• Read verified client reviews on RateMyLawyer
• Check that the lawyer is a current member of the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) at lso.ca
• Look for relevant experience (years in practice, number of similar cases)
• Request a free initial consultation and assess fit

Word of mouth is still valuable, but online reviews let you compare dozens of lawyers quickly instead of relying on one person's experience.

The LSO is the regulatory body that governs lawyers and paralegals in Ontario. Every lawyer practicing law in Ontario must be a member in good standing. The LSO handles licensing, sets standards of conduct, and investigates complaints against lawyers.

You can verify any Ontario lawyer's status at lso.ca/find-a-lawyer-or-paralegal. All lawyers listed on RateMyLawyer are verified LSO members.

Good questions to ask in a first meeting:

• How many cases like mine have you handled in the last year?
• What is your typical fee structure for this type of matter?
• Are you the person who will handle my file, or will it be passed to a junior associate?
• What is the likely timeline for my situation?
• What are the likely outcomes, and what's the realistic best and worst case?
• How do you communicate with clients — phone, email, portal?

Costs vary significantly by practice area, lawyer experience, and complexity. General ranges:

• Family Law: $250–$500/hour; contested divorces can run $5,000–$30,000+
• Real Estate: $800–$1,800 flat fee for a purchase or sale (lawyer's fee only, plus disbursements)
• Personal Injury: Usually contingency — the lawyer takes 25–40% of the settlement, no upfront cost
• Immigration: $1,500–$5,000 depending on application type; some lawyers charge hourly
• Employment Law: $250–$450/hour, or contingency for wrongful dismissal
• Wills & Estates: $300–$800 for a simple will; estate administration varies

Always ask for a fee estimate or retainer agreement upfront. A good lawyer will be transparent about costs.

Yes, several options exist:

• Legal Aid Ontario (LAO): Free legal services for qualifying low-income individuals, primarily in criminal and family matters. Apply at legalaid.on.ca
• Community Legal Clinics: 70+ clinics across Ontario provide free advice on housing, employment, and benefits issues
• Law School Clinics: Osgoode Hall, U of T, and other law schools operate free legal clinics supervised by licensed lawyers
• Free Consultations: Many private lawyers offer free 30-minute initial consultations — use RateMyLawyer to find them
• Law Society Referral Service: Provides a free 30-minute consultation with a member lawyer

A contingency fee means the lawyer gets paid only if you win or settle your case — typically a percentage (25–40%) of the recovery. If you don't win, you owe nothing for the lawyer's time (though you may still owe disbursements).

Contingency fees are common in personal injury, wrongful dismissal, and class action cases. They make legal help accessible when you can't afford hourly rates upfront.

An uncontested divorce (both parties agree on all terms) typically takes 4–6 months from filing to final order. A contested divorce — where the court must resolve disputes over property, custody, or support — can take 1–3+ years.

You must be separated for at least one year before you can divorce in most cases (unless there's adultery or physical/mental cruelty).

Ontario courts use the "best interests of the child" standard. Factors considered include:

• The child's emotional ties with each parent
• Each parent's willingness to support the child's relationship with the other parent
• The child's established routines and continuity of care
• The views and preferences of the child (depending on age and maturity)
• Each parent's ability to provide stability and a safe environment

Most separating parents reach a parenting agreement without going to court. A family lawyer can help negotiate and formalize this agreement.

Yes — in Ontario, you are legally required to use a lawyer (or notary, in Quebec) to close a real estate transaction. The lawyer handles title transfer, registration, mortgage documentation, and ensures there are no liens or problems with the property's title.

A real estate lawyer typically charges $800–$1,800 (plus disbursements like title insurance, registration fees, etc.) for a standard purchase. This is a small cost relative to the transaction size and provides critical protection.

For a typical home purchase, your real estate lawyer will:

• Review the Agreement of Purchase and Sale
• Search the title to check for liens, easements, or other issues
• Arrange title insurance
• Prepare and review mortgage documents
• Receive and disburse funds (down payment, mortgage proceeds)
• Register the transfer of ownership at the Land Registry
• Handle final adjustments (property taxes, utilities, condo fees)

In Ontario, most employees are entitled to reasonable notice when terminated without cause. If an employer doesn't give adequate notice (or pay in lieu), that's wrongful dismissal.

The Employment Standards Act (ESA) sets minimum notice periods (1–8 weeks based on years of service). However, common law entitlement — determined by courts — is often much higher: roughly 1 month per year of service, depending on age, position, and difficulty of finding new work.

If you've been terminated, consult an employment lawyer before signing any severance agreement — you may be entitled to significantly more.

You don't legally need a lawyer, but it's strongly recommended for complex applications (spousal sponsorship, refugee claims, Express Entry with complications, citizenship challenges). A mistake or missing document can result in rejection and significant delays.

For straightforward applications, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) may cost less than a lawyer while providing competent help. For anything complex or high-stakes, an immigration lawyer is worth it.

You don't legally need a lawyer — a handwritten (holograph) will can be valid in Ontario if entirely written and signed in your own handwriting. However, for any estate of substance, using a lawyer is strongly recommended to:

• Ensure the will is properly drafted and won't be challenged
• Advise on tax planning and estate structure
• Handle complexities like trusts, blended families, or business interests
• Create Powers of Attorney for property and personal care

A simple will typically costs $300–$500 through a lawyer — inexpensive protection for your family.

If arrested, you have the right to:

• Remain silent — you don't have to answer questions beyond identifying yourself
• Speak to a lawyer immediately — request this right away; police must allow it
• Legal Aid — if you can't afford a lawyer, duty counsel is available at the courthouse

Do not speak to police without a lawyer present. Even innocent statements can be used against you. Contact a criminal defence lawyer as early as possible — early legal intervention often produces better outcomes.