How family-law retainers usually work
A practical look at what a retainer is, why it gets replenished, and what can unexpectedly drain it.
Guides
Practical guides for the questions that come up around child support, Section 7 expenses, retainers, mediation, court costs and getting ready to speak with a lawyer.
How these guides are checked. Each guide links to the official source used to check the legal or procedural information and focuses on the part that is hardest to understand from the source alone.
Last reviewed · Sep. 15, 2026
Mediation vs. court costs in family-law matters
Why process choice has such a large impact on budget and stress.
How special or extraordinary expenses are often shared
What these expenses can include and what arguments often arise around them.
What to prepare before a first family-law consultation
A calm preparation checklist so the first paid hour is used efficiently.
How child support table amounts work
A plain-English explanation of what the official table amount is and why it may not be the final number.
Primary sources: Justice Canada and Law Society of BC materials linked on the individual guide pages.