I appreciate The Globe and Mail for highlighting the growing availability of fixed0fee divorce services, which aim to make separation more affordable. However, it is important to recognize that the total cost of a basic uncontested divorce – once document preparation, court filing fees and legal oversight are factored in – typically approaches $2000. This figure is roughly similar to what many traditional lawyers charge for a fully managed uncontested divorce.
While budget-friendly services that focus solely on document preparation may seem appealing, significant risks are attached:
Limited Legal Support – Many flat-fee packages generate the required forms but do not provide ongoing legal advice. If your circumstances change or complications come about, you could be left without guidance or help.
Statute-Barred Claims – Without legal counsel, you may risk missing critical deadlines to assert claims involving things like support, property division or pensions. These are rights that, once lost or the opportunity to assert them is missed, may be unrecoverable.
Overlooked Entitlements – Divorce is not just about filing paperwork-it often touches on complex legal rights, including things like spousal and child support, ownership interests and tax consequences. A lawyer can help you identify and address these issues that document-only providers frequently miss or do not touch upon.
Ultimately, individuals going through divorce should get more than a set of completed forms – they deserve independent legal representation. A lawyer can assess your situation, ensure deadlines are met and protect your rights from being overlooked and subsequently forfeited. That comprehensive service is why traditional uncontested divorce fees often sit around $2,000. Opting for a cheaper document-only package might save money up front – but could end up costing themselves more down the line if issues are missed or rights are lost.
