7 Key Steps to Take Before Hiring a Divorce lawyer in Toronto

Divorce rates in Canada are on the rise, with 2.78 million cases reported in 2022 alone. As more people face the challenges of divorce, the need for reliable guidance has never been greater. The emotional stress and legal requirements of divorce demand tough decisions about family, finances, and future stability.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the many factors involved in divorce. Having an experienced divorce lawyer by your side can provide clarity and protect your interests during this challenging time. 

Being prepared helps you stay strong and make informed choices, so you can navigate these difficult times confidently. 

In this article, we share 7 crucial steps to consider before hiring a divorce lawyer in Toronto.

1. Do Your Research

Don’t rush into hiring a lawyer. Take your time to research and understand the divorce process first. Familiarizing yourself with the basics of divorce law and related family laws can help you make informed decisions and understand where a lawyer’s expertise will be most valuable. 

Here are some resources to get started:

• Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General for information on divorce laws, property division, child custody, and support guidelines in Toronto.
• Naussbaum Law Divorce Guide to understand the legal process involving divorces in Toronto and Ontario.
• Ontario Bar Association for insights and educational resources specific to family law and divorce within Toronto.

2. Define Your Goals and Priorities

Having a clear sense of your goals from the start can make a significant difference in the divorce or separation process. Everyone has different expectations, whether it’s obtaining child custody, dividing property assets, or securing financial support.

Also, think about whether alternatives like mediation or collaborative divorce might help you achieve these goals more easily. If you and your spouse are open to negotiation, these options can save time, lower costs, and make the process less confrontational.

While your lawyer will help clarify your goals, having a clear understanding of your main concerns from the outset can help you reach a fair outcome that best serves your interests.

3. Understand Legal Fees and Budgeting

The legal processes following a divorce often involve various costs, with lawyer fees being one of the primary expenses. Some divorce lawyers charge hourly rates, others offer flat fees for specific services, and many require retainers (upfront payments that cover initial expenses and adjust as the case progresses). 

Hourly rates can range from $250 – $700 per hour depending on the lawyer’s expertise and case complexity. Nussbaum Law offers a free consultation so you can gain insight into the legal perspective and understand the expected budget associated with your case

4. Gather Relevant Documents and Information

Having all necessary documents ready can save time and help your lawyer understand your case better. Here’s a checklist of essential documents to gather before meeting your lawyer:

• Personal Identification: Copies of passports, driver’s licenses, and birth certificates for yourself and any dependents
• Marriage Certificate: Official marriage certificate or any related legal documentation
• Legal Agreements: prenup or postnuptial agreements, separation agreements, court orders (if any)
• Financial Records: Recent bank account, credit card, loan, and any investment/retirement account statements
• Property and Assets: Any real estate property, vehicle ownership, and other asset documents
• Debts and Liabilities: Any outstanding payments and debts owed by you and your spouse
• Child-Related Documents (if applicable): birth certificates, custody and support documents
• Insurance Policies: All insurance documents such as life insurance (with beneficiaries), health, home, property, vehicle insurance, etc. 

5. Ask for Lawyer Referrals and Search Reviews

When you start looking for a divorce lawyer in Toronto, first ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Personal referrals can provide valuable insights into a lawyer’s approach, communication style, and effectiveness.

Also, check online reviews and client testimonials on reputable sites and directories to get a sense of each lawyer’s reputation and professionalism. Pay attention to factors like experience in family law, familiarity with Toronto’s legal system, and their track record with divorce cases.

Consider each lawyer’s background, responsiveness, and approach to ensure you feel confident and comfortable working with them through your case.

6. Schedule Initial Consultations with Potential Lawyers

Once you’ve narrowed down a list of potential lawyers, schedule initial consultations to get a better sense of each one. This meeting lets you ask important questions and see if they’re a good fit for your needs.

Ask about their experience with cases like yours, their approach to handling divorce, and how they typically communicate with clients. You might also want to discuss their fee structure and how often you’ll receive updates. This consultation is your chance to find someone you feel comfortable with and who aligns with your goals, making the process smoother and more manageable.

7. Inform Your Spouse and Discuss Next Steps

Once you’ve started preparing, have an honest conversation with your spouse about consulting a lawyer. This helps keep things clear from the start and avoids any misunderstandings.

Let them know you’ve spoken to a lawyer and ask if they’re considering doing the same. This ensures you both have independent advice and avoids any conflicts of interest. During this discussion, you may also want to bring up topics like spousal support, as it’s helpful to understand each other’s expectations early on. 

Keep the tone calm and straightforward, focusing on moving forward in a way that’s fair to both of you. Being open at this stage can set a positive foundation for the next steps, whether through mediation, collaborative divorce, or another approach that fits your situation.

Why Choose Nussbaum Law for Your Divorce Case?

Nussbaum Law takes a client-centered approach, prioritizing your interests and emotional well-being throughout the legal process. Our family lawyers, who specialize in divorce, know that every case is unique and work to make the experience as manageable as possible. 

With over 4,000 successful cases, including 1,000+ divorce cases, Nussbaum Law has built a trusted reputation in Toronto. We are committed to guiding you with professionalism and care every step of the way.

Now that you’re prepared and closer to choosing a divorce lawyer in Toronto, we hope these steps have made you feel more informed and confident.

Nussbaum Law offers a free consultation to discuss your case and provide the support you need to make the best choices for your future.