Legal services can cost an arm and a leg. Everyone knows that!
What few people know, however, is that some lawyers also offer free initial consultations, affordable packages, and flexible payment terms.
Contact us to find a lawyer who can represent you with fees that are within YOUR budget!
Everything you didn't know about legal fees in Quebec
How do legal fees work in Quebec?
Before talking about free services, you should know how legal fees work in Quebec because they can vary from one lawyer to another. The type of fee your lawyer charges not only has an impact on the method of payment but also on the total amount you will have to pay!
Here are ALL the types of legal fees you are likely to encounter in Quebec!
- The hourly-rate lawyer
- Flat-rate lawyer
- Percentage-based lawyer
- The hybrid billing lawyer
- The legal aid lawyer
What are the advantages of a flat fee compared to an hourly rate?
With a flat rate, you know exactly how much you will pay for legal services, with no surprises. You also remain in full control of the fees you are billed and, in many cases, flat rates are more affordable than hourly rates.
Rates and packages offered by lawyers in Quebec
Are you looking for the most affordable legal services?
JuriGo has listed examples of rates and packages offered by lawyers in the province according to the different areas of the law.
| Type of Legal Service | Rate or Package |
|---|---|
| Legal drafting service (ex: Demand letter, contract, etc.) | $300 to $600 |
| Request to institute legal proceedings | Up to $1500 |
| Legal opinion or advice | About $500 to $1000 |
| Amicable Divorce (draft agreement) | $800 to $1200 |
| Preparation for a civil defense | $1000 and $1500 |
| Business incorporation | $750 to $1500 |
| Shareholders’ Agreement | $1000 to $2000 |
| Hourly rate | $160 to $300 |
The rates shown represent examples of packages by lawyers and firms across the province!
But take note! Several factors will drive the cost of attorney services up or down. The cost of the packages indicated in the table above represents "typical" or "standard" cases that are not complex. If your case is more complicated, the cost will increase accordingly.
How are lawyers' hourly rates set in Quebec?
Lawyers are free to set the fees they want! However, the law requires that these fees be fair, and reasonable, and in proportion to the level of difficulty of the case, the time spent on it, and the experience of the lawyer.
If you are looking for an affordable lawyer, alternatives to hourly rates could be very relevant to you.
Is it possible to hire a lawyer on a percentage basis?
Yes, it is! Percentage-based compensation is an excellent way to obtain the services of a lawyer at a low cost.
But how does percentage-based compensation work?
Percentage-based compensation or "contingent upon the success of the action" implies that the lawyer will be compensated according to a percentage of the profits obtained in a lawsuit for damages. This type of remuneration is only applicable to lawsuits aiming to obtain a sum of money!
For what type of case is a percentage-based compensation advantageous?
Liability cases, breach of contract cases, personal injury cases, defamation cases, and all other cases where the client's primary concern is to obtain a sum of money.
Liability cases are the most appropriate cases for a percentage-based fee. Why? Because in most cases, the only possible remedy for a personal injury or property damage is the payment of a sum of money.
Are percentage-based fees suitable for clients seeking a free lawyer?
Yes, without a doubt! The purpose of a percentage-based fee is to avoid the client having to pay a lawyer out of pocket. Know, however, that you will sacrifice a portion of the compensation if you win your case.
Find YOUR lawyer with a percentage-based fee among JuriGo's partner lawyers!
How can you get free legal assistance?
Government legal aid is the easy solution!
It allows low-income individuals to obtain the services of a lawyer at no cost but it is not the only scenario where you can hire a lawyer for free.
There are many ways to get free legal services in Quebec. JuriGo some of the most common scenarios where lawyers are free in Quebec!
1) You are being sued for civil liability.
Did you know that your insurer can pay for legal fees? Indeed, the vast majority of home insurance policies include liability coverage. This means that if you are sued by someone, your insurer is obliged to provide representation immediately and free of charge.
2) Are you the plaintiff in a liability lawsuit? A percentage-based fee is the way to go!
If you are on the other side of a liability lawsuit and need free legal services, percentage-based compensation is definitely the best option for you! It will save you from spending money on legal fees while still allowing you to pursue your case.
3) Free initial consultations and online consultations are becoming an increasingly important part of the legal landscape in Quebec.
Initial consultations offered by lawyers are often free! These consultations can now be done entirely online and remotely which allows you to quickly get the facts about your chances of success.
4) Legal aid is still the primary way to get a free lawyer!
Government legal aid is a service designed to promote access to justice for low-income individuals. If your annual income falls within the set standards, your legal services may be completely covered at no cost.
Find out how legal aid can help you get a lawyer for free!
Legal Aid: WHO has the right to a free lawyer in Quebec?
What is legal aid in Quebec? Legal aid is a government program that provides free or affordable legal services to low-income individuals.
Who qualifies for legal aid in Quebec?
Individuals whose income is lower than the legal aid rates and who apply to the Legal Aid Office near them.
What are the eligibility scales for FREE legal aid? Here are the maximum annual incomes for the free component of legal aid!
| Family Status | Maximum annual income |
|---|---|
| Single individual | $25,935 |
| 12 adult and 1 child | $31,733 |
| 1 adult + 2 or more children | $33,875 |
| Spouses | $36,095 |
| Spouses + 1 child | $40,385 |
| Spouses + 2 children or more | $42,530 |
For what type of case can you get legal aid in Quebec?
- Family law cases
- Immigration cases
- Housing cases
- Youth law
- Personal law (e.g.: opening of a tutorship for a person of full age)
- Administrative law
- Criminal law
Is legal aid always completely free in Quebec?
No, not always! If your income is low but above the threshold imposed by legal aid, you may still be eligible for the "contributory" component of legal aid.
Find out everything you need to know about legal aid with a financial contribution right here!
Reduce legal costs with Legal aid with financial contribution
As mentioned earlier, legal aid is not always 100% free.
When a client's annual income is too high, he or she may be eligible for legal aid with a contribution! How does legal aid with a financial contribution work?
A client who is eligible for legal aid with a contribution must pay an amount of contribution corresponding to his annual income.
See the chart below for the amount of contribution YOU will need to make based on your earnings.
| Family Status | Annual Income | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Single Individual | $25,936 to $27,222 $27,223 to $28,508 $27,223 to $28,508 $29,796 to $31,081 $31,082 to $32,368 $32,369 to $33,654 $33,655 to $34,941 $34,942 to $36,228 | $100 $200 $300 $400 $500 $600 $700 $800 |
| 1 adult + 1 child | $31,734 to $33,306 $33,307 to $34,878 $34,879 to $36,451 $36,452 to $38,024 $39,025 to $39,596 $39,597 to $41,169 $41,170 to $42,741 $42,742 to $44,315 | $100 $200 $300 $400 $500 $600 $700 $800 |
| 1 adult + 2 children or more | $33,876 to $35,554 $35,555 to $37,233 $37,234 to $38,912 $38,913 to $40,591 $40,592 to $42,270 $42,271 to $43,949 $43,950 to $45,628 $45,629 to $47,308 | $100 $200 $300 $400 $500 $600 $700 $800 |
| Spouses | $36,096 to $37,885 $37,886 to $39,675 $39,676 to $41,465 $41,466 to $43,255 $43,256 to $45,045 $45,046 to $46,835 $46,836 to $48,625 $48,626 to $50,416 | $100 $200 $300 $400 $500 $600 $700 $800 |
| Spouses + 1 child | $40,386 to $42,388 $42,389 to 44,390 $44,391 to $46,393 $46,394 to $48,395 $48,396 to $50,398 $50,399 to $52,400 $52,401 to $54,403 $54,404 to $56,406 | $100 $200 $300 $400 $500 $600 $700 $800 |
Source: Quebec Community Legal Center
Legal aid with financial contribution is not a 100% free service but you can still save on legal fees! As you can see in the table above, the required contribution is quite minimal.
Compare your legal aid options with JuriGo's partner lawyers!
Online Legal Services: Is it the best solution?
Online legal services have become more popular in recent years, especially since the pandemic! Today's lawyers are looking to reinvent themselves, allowing you to take advantage of innovative legal services!
But how is an online lawyer beneficial if you are looking to save money?
Online lawyer services work in many ways! Some platforms now offer subscriptions that allow you to get a certain number of hours of services for a fixed price. You use the time bank according to YOUR needs and budget.
Other online legal platforms are more on the budget side of the spectrum and stay away from sky-high hourly rates.
And in many cases, these online lawyers offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your case. What are you waiting for? Find the right online lawyer to help you with your case.
Who is qualified to give legal advice in Quebec?
The quest to save money should not lead you to ask your legal questions to just anyone. In Quebec, the right to give legal advice is strictly regulated and only lawyers and notaries are allowed to give legal advice in Quebec.
Where can you get free legal advice? Here are some places and organizations that offer free or affordable legal advice!
- Center for Victims of Crime (Service-oriented towards support for victims of crimes)
- SOS Domestic Violence (Service for victims of domestic violence)
- Legal clinics (These clinics offer services in all areas of law to eligible individuals).
- Community Justice Centres (This is a free legal information service)
- Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité au travail (CNESST ) (For all questions on labour law and standards for both workers and employers)
- Office de la protection du consommateur (Following a dispute with a merchant regarding consumer goods or services).
All of these resources, associations, and organizations allow you to obtain legal information for free or at a very low cost. However, to get personalized advice tailored to YOUR case, you will absolutely need the services of your own lawyer.
NOTE - Many lawyers offer FREE initial consultations!
What is an initial consultation and its purpose?
The initial consultation is the first meeting between you and your lawyer! It can take place over the phone or in person, depending on the case. The objective of such a meeting is to conduct a summary analysis of your case in order to evaluate its chances of success and to establish the steps to be taken.
In Quebec, SEVERAL lawyers and law firms offer free initial consultations! What type of cases do lawyers in Quebec offer free initial consultations? Here are some examples:
-
Immigration law
-
Criminal and Penal law
Would you like to consult an experienced lawyer? Contact JuriGo now!
Free initial consultation in family law: significant savings!
Are you and your spouse in the process of separating?
Did you know that in Quebec, parents who separate are entitled to 3 hours of free family mediation offered by the government?
In addition to these hours of mediation, many family lawyers will also offer you a free initial consultation for:
-
Develop a Draft Agreement (Amicable Divorce)
-
A child custody record
-
Do you and your ex-spouse wish to divorce amicably?
You could save by opting for a contract lawyer! Indeed, as the drafting of a draft agreement is very similar from one divorce to another, several family lawyers offer a flat rate. This allows you to know the cost of your divorce in advance, thus avoiding unpleasant surprises.
Free initial consultation in CRIMINAL law: A first step towards a defense!
Are you accused of a criminal offense and looking for a free lawyer?
Many criminal lawyers offer a free initial consultation to analyze your situation. Criminal charges have serious consequences and the stakes are high so the initial consultation aims to reassure you and guide you through this battle.
Criminal offenses are also part of the services covered by government legal aid – Here are some examples!
The list goes on and on. Whatever the nature of the offense you are accused of, there is a lawyer available to help you, that's for sure!
Take advantage of a consultation with a criminal lawyer if you are accused of a criminal offence.
Get a free consultation for an immigration case
The stakes are extremely high when it comes to immigration. Legal services are, therefore, of the utmost importance, especially if your permanent residence, citizenship, or presence in Canada is at risk.
Immigration cases are also part of the services covered by government legal aid!
Here are the cases that could make you benefit from a free consultation and even free representation, thanks to legal aid.
-
Loss of citizenship / permanent residence
-
Asylum
-
Arrest
-
Disputing removal orders
-
Application for permanent residence
If you are not eligible for legal aid, immigration lawyers are happy to offer a free initial consultation in order to evaluate your case.
Find immigration law specialists at JuriGo!
Why should you use JuriGo if you want to compare lawyers?
What is JuriGo.ca, the intelligent legal platform?
JuriGo.ca is a vast network of lawyers scattered across the province! Our goal is to put users in contact with the lawyers they need, in their region of Quebec. Whatever your legal needs and your financial means, JuriGo acts as an intermediary to find you the lawyer you need.
JuriGo.ca consists of a vast network of lawyers scattered across the province! Our goal is to put users in contact with the lawyers they need, in their region of Quebec. Whatever your legal needs and your financial means, JuriGo acts as an intermediary to help you find you the lawyer you need.
JuriGo.ca's partner lawyers work in SEVERAL areas of law, including:
- Family law
- Civil liability
- Real estate law
- Business law
- Tax law
- Immigration law
Are you eligible for legal aid and would like free or affordable legal advice? Many of JuriGo's partners take on legal aid cases in all areas covered.
JuriGo’s contact services are free and non-binding: you have nothing to lose when you contact us to speak to a lawyer quickly!
Need to talk to a lawyer? Contact JuriGo quickly!
Getting the legal advice you need doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. Lawyer services are evolving towards greater accessibility, and it’s up to you to take advantage of it!
JuriGo offers you a simple solution to find the right lawyer for YOUR needs. All you have to do is fill out our form at the bottom of the page and JuriGo will find a qualified lawyer near you.
Our services do not commit you to anything. What are you waiting for? Compare lawyers in your area from JURIGO.