How much might a family lawyer cost?
Choose a situation, enter your lawyer's hourly rate, and get an estimate.
Start with an example (optional)
Estimated cost
$15,204–$21,003
Tax is included when you choose a province or territory.
Estimated lawyer time37–52 hours
See cost breakdown
Before tax, roundedAbout $13,600–$18,800
Midpoint$18,104
Lower amount before tax$13,634
Upper amount before tax$18,826
Estimated tax$1,570–$2,177
Other expenses$550–$688
Details used
How is the estimate calculated?
This example uses the hourly rate and case details you entered. Here are the built-in assumptions:
- Starting lawyer hours: agreement 14, mediation 18, court applications 34, trial 65.
- Each court conference adds 2.5 hours; each application adds 5.5 hours.
- Case complexity adds 7, 14 or 21 hours.
- When the other person has a lawyer, an additional 18% is added to lawyer time.
- Other expenses start at $550–$4,200 depending on the type of case. Specialist reports add $3,500 if selected.
- Choosing a province sets an estimated tax rate; it does not set the lawyer's hourly rate.
See methodology for more detail.