What Are the Fees Associated With a Vancouver Divorce Lawyer?

Nov 14

You’ve had a conversation with your partner about divorce, sought counseling, and still can’t reconcile. The next step in the family law roadmap after separation is to talk to an experienced Vancouver divorce lawyer. Navigating a divorce can be challenging and costly. At Illuma Family Law, we work efficiently and strategically to minimize negative impacts on families. Our expertise in negotiating settlements out of court means clients are able to avoid unnecessary legal fees, lowering the overall cost of the divorce.

If you need support navigating the divorce process, we’re here to help. We offer clients the option of either full or limited retainers. First let’s talk about retainers.

What is a Retainer?

Illuma Family Law services operate on a retainer fee structure. A retainer is a deposit that covers the cost of services. Before we start work on your file, we will ask you to provide a retainer fee. This will be used to pay for any bills incurred. Each of our Vancouver divorce lawyers charges an hourly rate based on their experience. If the retainer is used up, we may ask you to pay us an additional retainer. At the end of a case, we refund any funds left over in your account.

The retainer amount for a case depends on which services a client needs and a number of factors specific to your case. Because these needs differ from client to client, our best way to ensure we accomplish your goals is through a retainer, as opposed to a fixed fee.

Types of Retainers: Limited and Full.

Limited Retainers
With a limited retainer, we give you advice and help you draft documents or agreements on an as-needed basis. You represent yourself in negotiations and in court.
Full Retainers
Opting for a full retainer means we represent you fully on your family law matter including, but not limited to, document disclosure, negotiations, drafting and finalizing agreements, attending mediation, and attending court.

Do I need a Full or Limited Retainer?

If you’re seeking a divorce in BC, we’re here to help you determine what works for your budget and resources.

The material provided in this blog is for general information and education purposes only and does not contain, and should not be construed as containing, legal advice applicable to a particular set of facts. If you require legal advice, please contact us for a consultation with one of our experienced family law lawyers.

Abby Pang

Abby is a lawyer and loving mother of two children. She is an advocate for healthy families and children. She has turned her energy towards supporting families, by providing guidance and helping families navigate through the legal system, while empowering them to have a voice throughout the process.

Abby Pang’s journey began in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Subsequently, her family moved to the east side of Vancouver, before moving to Richmond, where she spent most of her childhood. Her father was a refugee who came to Canada in 1970, and from him she learned the meaning of grit.

In her youth, Abby experienced a breakdown in her family unit which resulted in divorce. She understands that marital breakdowns and divorces can be complicated, but also devastating. She also understands there are alternative options and ways to mitigate the damaging effects of the process.

Abby earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of British Columbia, studying psychology and family studies. She earned a law degree from Manchester Metropolitan University, exchange program through the Hong Kong University. In 2008, she returned to British Columbia to work in a large law office while completing her National Certificate of Accreditation. She then completed her articles in a boutique law firm in Vancouver. She was called to the British Columbia bar in 2012.

Abby has appeared in Provincial Court, Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. She deals with personal injury claims, sexual assault (civil) claims, and family law matters: Jansson v. Malone, 2021; Binning v. Kandola, 2021; Bergeron v. Malloy, 2020; Urwin v. Hanson, 2019; Lally v. He, 2016; Kandola v. Mactavish, 2016; Kweon v. Roy, 2016; Chan v. Caer, 2014; Saadati v. Moorhead, 2015; Loft v. Nat, 2015. In addition to her court experience, Abby takes a “family first” approach and is resolution-focused. She is registered through the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals.

As a lawyer, Abby Pang’s community involvement included volunteer work with the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers and the Canadian Bar Association Women Lawyers’ Forum. As well, she had the opportunity to assist at Rise Women’s Legal Center and Battered Women’s Support Services through volunteering with Amici Curiae Friends of Court.

Abby is the recipient of A Woman of Worth Leader of the Year Award 2023 for her outstanding achievements in strengthening her community/organization through innovative approaches to resolving challenges and inspiring meaningful change. She has been recognized nationally as a nominee of the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards 2023, which honours extraordinary women leaders and businesses.

In her personal time, Abby enjoys snowboarding, bike riding, and spending time with her family.

https://www.illumalaw.com/team

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