What are Disbursements?
Disbursements are expenses incurred by us on your behalf in the handling of your file. These will be clearly itemized on your bill and are usually subject to HST. Disbursements may include, but are not restricted to: 

• Filing fees charged by courts, registry offices, etc.
• Taxes charged by governments (e.g. Land Transfer Tax)
• Transcript costs
• Photocopying and facsimile costs
• Long distance charges
• Computer research services
• Courier services
• Mail costs
• Charges for service of documents

Is a Retainer Required?
A retainer is often required before legal services are provided. Due to the Law Society of Upper Canada rules, all retainers must be provided by cheque or cash and Interac cannot be used. A retainer is held in a non-interest bearing account and will be drawn upon to pay legal fees and disbursements. The retainer may need to be replenished from time to time and any outstanding amount will be returned to the client once the work is completed. It is important to note that the original retainer is not to be viewed as an estimate of costs for the completion of the work.

How Often Are Clients Billed?
Ongoing matters are usually billed monthly. Other matters are billed on completion or when significant costs have been incurred on the file. Each account is final when rendered, for work done up to the date on the account, or to the date of the last time entry noted on the account, whichever date is the later.

What are Clients’ Rights Regarding Disputing an Account?
If a client has concerns regarding the fairness of an account, we ask that he/she first discuss these concerns with the lawyer involved in their file. If further action is required, the client has a right to have the account assessed under the Solicitor’s Act.