Lawyer to Review Prenuptial Agreement

If you have an agreement that was drafted by another lawyer and wish us to review it, we will have you enter into a limited scope retainer with our firm. This retainer is specifically designed to cover two hours of work, offering you a focused yet comprehensive legal review tailored to your unique situation. Below, we outline the key components of what this limited-scope retainer entails.

Preliminary Document Review
Upon entering into a limited-scope retainer with our firm, your assigned lawyer will commence by conducting an in-depth review of the prenuptial agreement in question. This initial review is performed before any face-to-face consultations to ensure that your lawyer is fully versed in the specifics of your agreement and can provide targeted advice.

One-Hour Consultation
Following the preliminary review, you will be scheduled for a one-hour consultation with your lawyer. During this meeting, your lawyer will:

Explain the Strengths and Weaknesses: Your lawyer will provide a detailed analysis of the agreement, highlighting its strong points as well as any areas of concern that could put you at risk.

Clarify Your Rights and Obligations: The lawyer will walk you through the legal implications of each clause, ensuring you understand your rights and obligations under the agreement.

Provide a Recommendation: Based on their expert assessment, your lawyer will advise you on whether the agreement is reasonable and should be signed or if modifications are needed.

Independent Legal Advice (ILA) Certificate
If your lawyer determines that the agreement is fair, equitable, and in line with Ontario law, they will proceed to sign the certificate of ILA, provided you are in agreement with the terms. This certificate serves as a testament that you have received independent legal advice and understand the implications of the agreement.

Non-Issuance of ILA: If your lawyer assesses that the agreement is unreasonable or contains significant issues, they will not sign the certificate of ILA, even if you request them to do so.

NOTE: We will not be able to issue a certificate of Independent legal advice if the agreement has not been drafted by a family lawyer practicing law in Ontario.

List of Recommended Next Steps: In such cases where the agreement is found to be problematic, your lawyer will furnish you with a list of recommended next steps to rectify the issues.

Post-Consultation Options: Further Retainer for Legal Assistance
Should you wish to proceed with the recommended next steps, you have the option to enter into a further retainer with our firm. Under this extended service, your lawyer will assist you in negotiating modifications, redrafting clauses, or taking any other actions necessary to make the agreement legally sound.

Self-Negotiation
Alternatively, you may choose to continue negotiations on your own, armed with the insights and recommendations provided by your lawyer. While you have the option to continue negotiations on your own, it’s crucial to understand the potential risks and costs associated with this approach. Self-negotiation may seem like a cost-saving measure, but it often leads to agreements that are legally vulnerable. When you choose to retain our services from start to finish, you benefit from continuous legal oversight, ensuring that each clause in your agreement is robust and legally sound.

Moreover, discontinuous legal representation can result in fragmented advice and may require additional time for a lawyer to re-familiarize themselves with the case, potentially increasing costs. In contrast, continuous legal representation provides a cohesive and comprehensive legal strategy, often making it a more cost-effective option in the long run.