Clear, Flexible, and Transparent
At Situ Legal Services, we know that clients want cost certainty and fairness. That’s why we offer two billing options: flat rate and hourly rate. You choose the structure that works best for your situation. Most of our clients prefer the flat rate, as it provides clear expectations and avoids unexpected bills.
Fee Options
Flat Rate (Most Popular):
-
One set fee agreed upon before we begin.
-
Covers clearly defined services such as Small Claims Court filings, Landlord & Tenant Board applications, traffic ticket defence, notarization, and commissioning.
-
Ideal for clients who want predictable costs and peace of mind.
Hourly Rate:
-
Charged for the actual time spent on your matter.
-
Suitable for uncertain cases.
-
Detailed time entries are provided for transparency.
Retainer Deposit
In most matters, clients are asked to place a retainer deposit into our trust account before we begin work.
-
Safe & Regulated: All funds are held securely under Law Society of Ontario trust account rules.
-
How it’s used: Funds are applied only to your legal fees and approved disbursements (such as court filing fees or process servers).
-
Transparency: You’ll receive itemized invoices showing how funds are applied.
-
Refundable: Any unused balance is promptly returned to you at the end of your case.
This system ensures your money is protected and only used as agreed.
What Affects the Fee
No two cases are alike. Our rates are based on several factors:
-
Urgency – emergency filings or short-notice hearings
-
Complexity – difficulty of legal and factual issues
-
Time involved – research, preparation, negotiation, and court appearances
-
Other factors – number of parties, volume of documents, or multiple hearings
We’ll always discuss these factors with you before confirming your fee.
Payment Methods
We currently accept:
-
E-transfer
-
Cheque
All payments are receipted for your records.