Frequently Asked Questions — Lawyers in Gatineau

Our Services

In which areas do you practise?

Our core practice is civil and family litigation: separation, divorce, child custody, child support, contracts, latent defects, successions, civil liability, housing, bankruptcy and appeals, among others. We are also mediators. We do not practise in certain highly specialized areas such as tax law or intellectual property; the free exploratory call exists precisely to determine quickly whether we can help you. See the full list of our practice areas.

Do you serve clients everywhere in Quebec?

Yes. We are based in Gatineau, but since our services are delivered almost entirely remotely, we can represent you anywhere in Quebec. Courts increasingly allow virtual hearings as well.

Do I have to travel to meet you?

No. Phone calls, video conferences, electronic signatures: everything is designed so that you never have to travel. You don’t need any special equipment — a phone is enough to get started.

I have an emergency. What should I do?

Call us right away at 819 743-2955 or 819 208-6022. For any matter that can wait a few days, book an appointment online.

Fees and Payment

How much does a lawyer cost?

It depends — and be wary of anyone who answers otherwise before looking at your file. With us, fees are tailored: an hourly rate when it fits, a flat fee when the scope of services is well defined, a percentage of the amounts recovered in certain cases, or instalments adapted to your budget. See our Our Fees page for the details of each formula.

Is the first contact free?

Yes. The 10-minute exploratory call is free and without obligation. It allows us to determine whether we can help you and whether it is worth taking further steps. If your situation warrants it, we then schedule a fixed-price consultation, payable online in advance, to make a proper assessment. Current rates are posted on the Online Appointment page.

Do you accept legal aid mandates?

On a case-by-case basis. Mention it at first contact: depending on the nature of the file, we will tell you whether we can accept the mandate or point you to the right resources. In any event, our flexible formulas — including instalments — pursue the same goal: your means should never prevent you from obtaining justice.

What are “disbursements”?

They are amounts paid to third parties to move your case forward: court fees, bailiff, stenographer, expert reports, and so on. They are added to the fees, whatever formula is agreed upon, and are billed to you at actual cost. We keep you informed as they arise — no surprises at the end.

Why am I asked for an advance in trust?

The advance is deposited into a trust account, strictly regulated by the Barreau du Québec, where the money remains yours. It is applied to invoices as services are rendered, and any excess is refunded to you at the end of the mandate.

How can I pay?

Online, by credit or debit card, directly from our website or from the client portal, where you can also view your invoices and statements of account. Other payment methods are possible by agreement.

Can I get a cost estimate?

Yes, at any time. We give you an honest picture of anticipated costs from the initial consultation, and we inform you if developments in the file change the outlook.

What if I disagree with an invoice?

Talk to us first: most misunderstandings are resolved with a conversation. You also have a free recourse — the conciliation and arbitration of accounts service of the Barreau du Québec — within 45 days of receiving the invoice.

How We Work

A “virtual” firm — what does that change for me?

More accessible, more efficient services. With no commercial office space to finance, our fixed costs are low — and it shows on the invoice. Our lawyers work with high-performance technological tools, your documents are accessible at all times, and nothing gets lost in a pile of paper. As a bonus, our environmental footprint is smaller. To learn more, see who we are.

How do I send you my documents?

In digital format, in the manner we will indicate (email or a secure platform). Our files are 100% digital. If you only have paper documents, simply photograph or scan them — and if that’s an obstacle for you, we’ll find a solution together.

Do you use artificial intelligence?

Yes, prudently and within a strict framework, like other technological tools, to increase the quality, speed and efficiency of our services — which also optimizes your costs. The lawyer’s professional judgment always remains in charge: every result is validated, and reasonable measures protect the confidentiality of your information. We discuss it openly with you right in the services agreement.

Do you offer mediation?

Yes. We favour amicable settlements whenever circumstances allow: it is often faster, less expensive and less draining than a trial. In family matters, a certain number of mediation hours may be covered by the government program. We will tell you honestly whether your case lends itself to it — or whether, on the contrary, it is time to take the bull by the horns and go before the court. See our Mediation and Dispute Resolution page.

The Lawyer-Client Relationship

Will my information remain confidential?

Yes. Everything you confide in us is protected by professional secrecy, one of the strongest protections in our law. That is precisely why it is essential to tell us everything, even what seems unfavourable to you: a well-informed lawyer defends you better, and nothing surprises us.

How can I help my own case?

By being straight with us, responding promptly to our calls and emails, sending us requested documents quickly and following our advice. The lawyer-client relationship rests on mutual trust: it is teamwork, and your collaboration has a direct effect on results — and on costs.

Can I change lawyers or end the mandate?

Yes, at any time. You will then receive a final account for the services rendered up to that point. We obviously hope it never comes to that — and our best guarantee is serving you well.