Terms of Service

Agreement to Terms

These Terms of Service govern your use of the Compassfamily website and the legal services we provide. By accessing our website or engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these terms.

Please read these terms carefully before using our services. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, you should not use our website or engage our legal services.

1. Definitions

2. Use of Website

2.1 General Use

Our website provides information about family law services and allows potential clients to contact us. By using our website, you agree to:

• Use the website for lawful purposes only
• Provide accurate information when contacting us
• Not attempt to interfere with website functionality or security
• Not use automated systems to access the website without permission

2.2 Age Requirement

You must be at least 18 years of age to use our website or engage our services. By using our services, you represent that you are of legal age to form binding contracts in your jurisdiction.

2.3 Account Security

If you create an account on our website or client portal, you are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and for all activities that occur under your account.

3. Legal Services

3.1 No Solicitor-Client Relationship

3.2 Retainer Agreement

Legal services begin only after:

• We have conducted an initial consultation to discuss your matter
• We have confirmed there are no conflicts of interest
• Both parties have signed a written retainer agreement
• Required retainer fees have been paid

3.3 Scope of Services

Our retainer agreement will specify:

• The specific legal services we will provide
• Fee structure and payment terms
• Your responsibilities as a client
• Terms for terminating the relationship

4. Fees and Payment

4.1 Service Fees

Our service fees are outlined on our website and will be specified in detail in your retainer agreement. Standard service packages include:

• Collaborative Practice Services: $4,100 CAD
• Fertility and Reproductive Law: $3,400 CAD
• Family Violence Legal Support: $2,650 CAD

4.2 Additional Costs

In addition to legal fees, you may be responsible for:

• Court filing fees and other disbursements
• Fees for third-party professionals (financial specialists, expert witnesses)
• Process server fees and other necessary services
• Additional legal work beyond the scope of the retainer agreement

4.3 Payment Terms

Payment is due as specified in your retainer agreement. We accept payment by bank transfer, certified cheque, or credit card. Late payments may result in suspension of services or termination of the retainer agreement.

5. Client Responsibilities

As a client, you agree to:

6. Intellectual Property

6.1 Website Content

All content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, and images, is owned by Compassfamily or licensed to us. You may not:

• Reproduce, distribute, or modify website content without permission
• Use our trademarks, logos, or branding without authorization
• Create derivative works based on our content

6.2 Work Product

Legal documents and work product we create for your matter are prepared specifically for your use. While you own the documents prepared for your case, we retain ownership of general legal forms, templates, and methodologies used in our practice.

7. Limitation of Liability

7.1 No Outcome Guarantees

7.2 Professional Liability Insurance

Compassfamily maintains professional liability insurance as required by the Law Society of Ontario. Claims arising from legal services are subject to the terms and limits of this insurance coverage.

7.3 Website Use

Our website is provided on an "as is" basis. We make reasonable efforts to maintain accurate, current information but do not warrant that the website will be error-free or uninterrupted. We are not liable for:

• Technical issues preventing website access
• Errors or omissions in website content
• Actions taken based solely on website information

8. Termination

8.1 Client Termination

You may terminate our services at any time by providing written notice. You remain responsible for fees incurred up to the termination date and any work necessary to properly close your file.

8.2 Our Right to Withdraw

We may withdraw from representing you if:

• You fail to pay fees or follow the retainer agreement
• A conflict of interest develops
• You request actions contrary to legal or ethical obligations
• The solicitor-client relationship has broken down

8.3 Effects of Termination

Upon termination, we will provide your file materials, outstanding billing information, and necessary documents for transition to new counsel if applicable.

9. Dispute Resolution

9.1 Governing Law

These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. Any disputes will be resolved in Ontario courts.

9.2 Informal Resolution

If you have concerns about our services, we encourage you to contact us directly first. Many issues can be resolved through open communication.

9.3 Fee Disputes

If you dispute legal fees, you have the right to request fee assessment by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice within six months of receiving the account.

9.4 Law Society Complaints

If you believe we have violated professional standards, you may file a complaint with the Law Society of Ontario, which regulates lawyers in Ontario.

10. General Provisions

10.1 Entire Agreement

For legal services, your retainer agreement constitutes the entire agreement between us and supersedes any prior understandings or representations.

10.2 Modifications

We may update these Terms of Service periodically. Material changes will be communicated to active clients. Continued use of our website after changes constitutes acceptance of modified terms.

10.3 Severability

If any provision of these terms is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions continue in full effect.

10.4 No Waiver

Our failure to enforce any provision does not constitute a waiver of that provision or our right to enforce it later.

10.5 Assignment

You may not transfer or assign your rights or obligations under these terms without our written consent. We may assign our rights and obligations to a successor law firm with notice to clients.