Family Law Legal Fees Estimator — Canada

Hourly rates for family lawyers in Canada range from $200–$500/hour depending on city and experience. Toronto and Vancouver senior lawyers charge $400–$600/hour. A simple uncontested divorce typically costs $1,500–$5,000 in legal fees. A contested divorce with property and custody issues can cost $30,000–$100,000+.

Yes. An uncontested divorce where you and your spouse agree on all issues can be done without a lawyer ('desk divorce'). You file the divorce application, prove the marriage breakdown (1 year separation), and submit the separation agreement. DIY divorce kits are available provincially.

Unbundled legal services (also called 'limited scope retainers') mean you hire a lawyer for specific tasks only — drafting a document, reviewing an agreement, coaching you before court — rather than full representation. This can reduce costs by 50–70% compared to full representation.