You've decided to move forward. Here's exactly what the process looks like — the paperwork, the timeline, the costs, and how to stay organised so your matter moves as smoothly as possible.
A Typical File — Stage by Stage
Every matter is different, but most follow a similar shape. Knowing the stages in advance makes the journey far less stressful.
Six Habits That Keep Your Matter on Track
The clients who get through a legal matter most smoothly are the organised ones. These habits make a real difference.
The questions clients ask once they've hired a lawyer — answered honestly.
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If you decide to move forward, your lawyer will send you a retainer agreement — a short document that sets out the scope of work, the hourly rate, and the retainer deposit (a trust amount held against future fees). Read it carefully, ask any questions, and sign it when you're ready. Nothing happens until you do.
The retainer deposit is yours — it sits in a trust account and is only drawn on as work is done. Any unused amount is returned to you.
Your lawyer will send you a list of documents to gather — financial records, property information, parenting history, or estate documents depending on your matter. Getting these together promptly is the single biggest thing you can do to keep your costs down and your file moving.
ORGANISE documents in a simple folder — one for financial, one for property, one for correspondence. You'll reference them often.
Reply to your lawyer's requests promptly — delays on your end are the most common reason files stall.
Most matters resolve through negotiation — your lawyer and the other party's lawyer reach an agreement without a court hearing. If negotiation stalls, mediation is often the next step. Court is the last resort, not the first. Your lawyer will keep you informed and involved at every stage.
Ask for a brief summary email after any significant step — most lawyers are happy to provide one if you ask.
Once your matter resolves, you'll receive a final document — a separation agreement, a consent order, a will, or whatever your matter required. Your lawyer will explain what it means, what you need to do next, and what your ongoing obligations are. File it somewhere safe.
Keep a copy of your final order or agreement in two places — one physical, one digital. You may need it years from now.
Create a single folder — physical or digital — for your entire legal matter. Put every letter, email, court document, and invoice in it as it arrives. You will be grateful for this habit when you need to find something quickly.
You'll think of questions between calls and forget them by the time you speak to your lawyer. Keep a running note on your phone. Send a batch of questions at once — it's faster and less expensive than multiple short calls.
Legal deadlines are hard — miss one and it can cost you significantly. Ask your lawyer to tell you every deadline in your matter and write them in your calendar with a reminder two weeks beforehand.
Emails create a clear record and give your lawyer time to consider your question properly. For urgent matters, call — but follow up with an email confirming what was discussed.
Your lawyer will send regular invoices detailing work done. Read them. If something is unclear, ask. Staying on top of costs avoids surprises and helps you plan. If budget becomes a concern, raise it early — there are often options.
Solicitor-client privilege is powerful — but only covers your lawyer. What you post on social media, say to mutual friends, or share in texts to the other party can all be used against you. When in doubt, say nothing.
It varies enormously. An uncontested separation agreement can be done in 4–8 weeks. A contested divorce with property and custody disputes can take 1–3 years. Your lawyer will give you a realistic estimate once they understand your situation fully — and update you if circumstances change.
Your lawyer can give you a range estimate, not a fixed price — because how long it takes depends partly on how the other side behaves. An uncontested matter might cost $3,000–$8,000 total. A litigated matter can run $30,000–$100,000+. Ask for a cost update at each significant milestone.
Yes. You can instruct a new lawyer at any time. Your file, documents, and any unused trust funds are transferred to your new lawyer. There may be a transition period while the new lawyer gets up to speed, which adds some cost — but you are never locked in.
Tell your lawyer as soon as this becomes a concern — don't wait until you've received a large invoice. Options include limited-scope representation (paying only for specific tasks), mediation to resolve things faster, or Legal Aid BC if you qualify. Early conversation opens more doors than late ones.
Keep gathering documents your lawyer requests, respond promptly to their emails, and continue keeping notes of anything relevant that happens — especially in parenting or financial matters. The more organised you are, the faster and cheaper your matter will resolve.
After Hiring a Lawyer BC — Retainer, Timeline & Process
Just hired a BC lawyer? Learn how retainers work, how long family law cases take, what to expect from the legal process, and how to stay organised as a client in BC.
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