Frequently Asked Questions

We offer a wide variety of legal information and resources, and get you informed.  We show you where to start and assist you in understanding the legal landscape, including about your rights, court, and how to ensure your lawyer is really working for you.   We are an economical alternative to traditional lawyers, a support for those wanting to “do-it-themselves”, an excellent resource for parents, and a source of easy to access and afford mediation and settlement of disputes!

All of our modules, seminars, mediation, coaching, and court seminars are designed and facilitated by experienced lawyers, counsellors, and other professionals.  Access reliable information and resources easily, quickly, and without extravagant costs or retainer commitments.

A legal company built by experienced lawyers offering you reliable and affordable legal information, resources, and help.  We explain the law and your options, so that you stay in control of your legal matter and can make the best choices for your family and your wallet.

Knowledge is power!  When you understand the law and your options, you stay in control and make the best choices.  This includes deciding on a legal path (such as mediation and arbitration) and even when and how to seek out the advice of lawyers.  We provide with as much help as you need to tackle your legal issue.   You cannot access this wide range of reliable legal services or information elsewhere.   The risks of proceeding on your own or without getting informed fast are great.  The costs of paying hourly rates for lawyers and other professionals to get you informed is high.

The costs of our products and services vary and are based upon complexity of topic.  All of our products are affordable, and are based upon years of extensive practice experience, and are delivered by qualified and experienced professionals.  Our group seminars are an economical way of getting informed.  All of our products and options are exceptional value for your money.

We offer a reliable starting point and insights into your rights and the legal process.  If you do not want to spend money on lawyers, our seminars can help you get informed and represent yourself.

No.  We do however provide you with reliable legal information that can help both sides to disputes better understand their rights and how the law applies to them.  This often helps allay fears and can lead to resolution.  We also help you learn about your legal rights, so that you can better direct your lawyer as to what you need help with.

You may.  You are always encouraged to seek out independent legal advice to protect your rights.  We can help you reach mediated settlements, alone or with your lawyers.   Lawyers always need to provide independent legal advice on matters such as pension waivers.  We can help steer you in a direction that is right for you.

No.  But we do prepare agreements, orders, or decisions, when you participate in our Dispute Mediation or People’s  Court.   We can help you understand what documents you need for court and what to file.

If you require legal, notarial, clerical or administrative support, we can refer and connect you with a team of professionals to help with preparing court docs on an hourly rate basis.

People have different needs.  Every case is different.   For this reason, we offer a wide variety of informational products ( both On-Line and In-Person Seminars), resources, and alternatives including : PC Dispute Mediation, People’s Court, and tailored, hourly rate in-person coaching sessions.

These are short information seminars can be done conveniently on your phone or computer.

Our Separation Basics and Financial Basics help you understand where to start when facing separation.

How to Find a Lawyer that Works for You – explains about lawyers, billing, and what you need to know to successfully work with your lawyer.

Our Real Estate Module – explains real estate transactions, how they work, and the “real costs” of buying/ selling property.

These connect you with vital and reliable legal information, quickly, and with minimal costs or stress.  They can be done at discreetly, at your convenience.

Select your Modules, add to your Cart, and pay using PayPal.

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Many Modules are also available in-person!

We offer a topic-specific seminar on a wide range of legal-based issues, including on family law, wills & estates, parenting, elder abuse, and consumer advocacy.   Seminars are offered at various times for your convenience.

Our seminars range from general overviews, to intensive Bootcamps, and training on specific court proceedings.

Anyone dealing with a legal issue, even if you already have a lawyer.

Our presenters are lawyers or other qualified professionals with extensive experience on the subject.

Generally, there is no advance preparation. You do not need to bring anything with you. You will be provided with writing materials and handouts, where appropriate.

However, our Separation & Divorce Bootcamp requires that you complete Financial Basics (Online Module or In-Person Seminar) before attending.

Yes.  Coffee is available at all seminars.   Our 2-hour seminars include a light snack. Our  intensive “Separation & Divorce Bootcamp”, includes a light lunch/ dinner.   All breaks are “working breaks”, where we address your seminar-based questions.

All seminars include a question and answer period, during which general questions can be addressed about the seminar topic.  We do not provide legal advice on your specific matter.

All participants must be registered to attend a seminar.  We do offer senior and companion rates for some of our seminars.  We encourage spouses to attend together when embarking upon a separation or dealing with parenting or wills issues.

No.  Our seminars are cell-phone free zones, other than during breaks.  Cellphones are distracting to other participants and your presenter.

Note: we reserve the right to deny your participation in our seminars if you are using a cellphone or other electronic recording device.

Unless otherwise specified, our seminars are offered at The People’s Corner Office located at  183 Kennedy Street on the main floor, close to the Law Courts Building.

You can park on the street using parking meters, or in nearby parking lots.

We know that separation is difficult and stressful.  These products get you informed quickly and without the costs and commitment of hiring a lawyer:

Our Separation Basics and Financial Basics is a must and helps you understand where to start.  These can be done Online or In-Person.

Our How to Find a Lawyer Online Module explains how lawyers work, when and how to get the right one for you!

Our Separation & Divorce Bootcamp explains everything you need to know about separating and options such as court, mediation, and other options.

Yes.  All seminars provide general information.  We do not provide legal advice. The faster both spouses get informed about their rights and obligations to each other and in relation to children, support, and property, the faster you can arrive at fair, economical, and practical resolutions!  We help you understand available options, including about traditional court process and other mediation/ settlement processes, so that you can chose the best path for your family.

We can help self-represented parties navigate our court.  We help you understand legal proceedings and options so that you can stay in control, even if you have a lawyer.  Our seminars may offer a fresh perspective on your legal mattes and help you better understand and reassess the direction of your matter.

No.  You can register for individual Modules only.

You can register for each individual Module. Check our registration information for upcoming dates.

Our information seminars explain everything you need to know about making valid and effective documents, to protect yourself and avoid conflict.  We explain what these documents are, how they work, and considerations for appointing and leaving gifts to others.

Our seminars are an investment in you.  It can take many hours to get information properly explained and to address your questions.  If your lawyer charges an hourly rate, you can expect to pay a large bill for all time spent.  If your lawyer charges a flat rate for preparation of wills or power of attorney documents, they may not spend the time needed to ensure your documents are right for you.  Attending our seminars helps you understand and assess what your documents should say.

Our seminars explain and can help you assess your documents and evaluate if you need to update or make changes.   They are all reasonably priced and offer invaluable peace of mind.

Our specialized seminars explain your role and duties, and are an excellent resource for anyone acting in these roles.

Our Wills & Estate Conflicts seminar explains common areas of conflict, provides an overview of the law and rights/ obligations, and what to expect if proceeding to court or alternative dispute processes, including about related legal costs.

Our Elder Abuse seminar explains what elder abuse is, how to deal with this, and about available resources that can help you!

Yes

We can:

• Offer insight to ensure that you understand and are handling Donor’s finances correctly
• Provide respite or temporary services should you need reliable first contact or help
• Assist with specific transactions or duties (sub-delegation of specific tasks)
• Provide reports on finances and care issues to family and next of kin, ensuring transparency and minimizing conflict

If you want us to act as your POA, you will need to sign a legal Power of Attorney document, specifically appointing us. That document will also outline if we are handling all or only some matters for you. It is important for your POA document to be prepared properly so that your wishes given effect.

If you are only wanting help with specific tasks a limited POA document can be signed.

This can be specifically set out in your Power of Attorney documents or in your service contract with the People’s Corner Legal Options.

If you are already acting as an Attorney but need temporary/limited/respite services we can assist and will enter into a service contract tailored to your needs.

Cost will depend upon duties provided and if they are provided on an immediate basis.

• For springing POA, ( where we act only in the event of a medical trigger) we charge a monthly admin fee of $20.00, until POA is triggered and thereafter $20.00 per month PLUS a fee based upon transactions handled (2.75% of all monies in and out of accounts)
• For enduring POA, (effective immediately) we charge a monthly admin fee of $20.00, PLUS a fee based upon transactions handled ( 2.75% of all monies in and out of accounts)
• We provide an annual electronic report to designated next of kin for $50.00 fee (paper copies are at additional costs of $15.00 each). More frequent reports are available for additional fee
• We prepare reports for annual tax filings and will ensure these are filed annually (accountant’s fees are additional cost)

Extensive experience in Estates and Power of Attorney matters, including knowledge of Court required accounting rules and responsibilities.

• Avoid conflict between family members
• Avoid elder abuse and mismanagement/dissipation of assets
• Ensure accountability and transparency
• Avoid expensive litigation
• Peace of mind knowing that Donor’s best interests are the priority
• Ensure that day to day transactions are properly attended to

Cost will depend upon duties attended to and who is providing services.

• If Springing ( effective upon a medical diagnosis), there is a monthly admin fee of $20.00 applied
• If Enduring ( effective immediately) there is a monthly fee of $20.00, plus hourly rate based upon $100.00 per hour for PC Legal Options based upon .1 clock. Attendance fee is based upon 1 hour minimum.
• Other professionals, such as nurses will be based upon applicable rat

• Ensure that the Donor’s best interests are protected and prioritized and that care decisions are based upon best objective medical evidence and wishes of the Donor.
• Avoids family conflict
• Ensures that personal care matters are attended to in a timely way
• Helpful if need day to day matters attended to, especially if no family is here or able to help
• Peace of mind!

• Ideal if you are needing some support (on temporary basis) to handle matter or help dealing with specific matters ( ie. cleaning out and selling a home after Donor is panelled)
• This is a service contract between appointed Attorney/Proxy and PC Legal Options.
• Services will depend upon contract and individual case/needs

• Will depend upon the services needed and how much actual services are provided
• Usually based upon hourly rate for services provided by applicable professional
• Respite- based services are based upon flat rate ( by day or weekly rate) or as arranged.

We are an excellent and affordable resource for self-reps. We do not provide legal advice, but we can help you understand where to start, your legal rights, and how to navigate our court system.  We offer a variety of courses that range from basic legal information seminars, to highly specialized seminars to help you represent yourself at contested motions and trials. We also offer individualized hourly rate coaching sessions tailored to your needs.

It is important to stay on top of all Court proceedings and Court dates. You also need to make sure that you read and file all relevant evidence to support your case. Court decisions can be made against you if you do not file materials on time or if you fail to show up at Court.

Our information seminars explain about our Court as well as what to file and when. Many seminars are offered online for your convenience as well as in person, where you can ask questions.

Our specialized seminars can help you understand and navigate specific Court proceedings such as motions or trials and how to effectively argue your case. We also offer coaching, with mock-trial role play to prepare you for court-room argument.

We also offer individualized coaching sessions tailored to your needs, starting at an hourly rate of $150.00.

Our mediation brings people together to discuss their legal issues, positions, needs/wants and to work toward a mutually satisfactory resolution.   Ideal for any family-based dispute, including for separation, support recalculation, contracts, and estate conflicts.

Your mediator is an experienced lawyer with knowledge of the particular area of law and experience in mediation and alternative dispute resolution.  Your mediator is assigned to your file, so that you will have the benefit of continuity with the same mediator for each session.

All parties must agree to participate in mediation.  Mediation sessions are more informal than traditional court (which can save time and money) but allow for all relevant information to be provided.   Parties can attend alone, or with lawyers.

Before formal mediation commences, each party provides a written brief outlining their concerns, needs, goals, and priorities for mediation.  Briefs are shared with other parties and the mediator.

All parties attend at an initial 1-hour Pre-Mediation session, where we discuss the issues, answer questions, and explain what each party needs to do to prepare for our mediation session.  Homework can include directing the parties to secure or review vital documents (such as financial statements), investigate options (such as for care/ financing/and housing), and even seek out legal advice. All documents and information will need to be produced to the mediator and the opposing party well in advance of further sessions.

Only after you have attended the initial Pre-Mediation Sessions, and completed all homework, will you be scheduled for a mediation session. Payment in full is required before your mediation session is booked.

During mediation sessions, the mediator steers the parties through issues, providing helpful insight into the relevant law, the strengths /weaknesses of your case, and other options.  If additional time is needed, and positive progress is being made, further session(s) will be added.

Agreements reached will be confirmed in writing, and if the parties wish will be reflected in a formal Agreement, and even court order.

If mediation is not working, we will explain and suggest other available options, including arbitration and court.

The initial Pre-Mediation Session is always slotted for 1 hour. This allows us and the parties to ask questions and outline goals and homework.

The duration of subsequent mediation session(s) varies and will depend upon the parties, complexity of the issues and how much evidence, witnesses may be involved for each side.

Where positive progress is being made, our mediator can arrange for parties to re-attend and continue mediation, and may even set aside entire blocks (including days) to ensure that all matters can be effectively covered and your matter resolved.

We believe early dialogue leads to early resolution of matters.   For this reason, we have multiple mediation sessions designated each day, including on evenings and weekends (available by special arrangement).

Where possible, we try to get parties back to continue mediation within a 2-week time period.

All of our mediators are experienced lawyers with knowledge of the relevant area of law.  They can provide you with general information about your rights and the law, and can help alert you to all relevant considerations before you commit to a mediated settlement. Nothing is more frustrating that paying thousands of dollars to a mediator, only to learn that your legal rights have not been fully considered, and that you have to start negotiating again.

Also when you mediate with us, we assist you by preparing the Agreement or Order for you, which ensures accuracy, avoids delay, and expedites signing.

Our PC Mediation sessions are readily available and can generally be accessed more quickly an economically than court.  Our sessions are more informal, and can be attended by the parties alone, or with lawyers.

Also, a new family court process is being introduced requiring that parties certify that they have participated in mediation before even coming to Court.  Our mediation meets this prerequisite.

Also when you mediate with us, we assist you by preparing the Agreement or Order for you, which ensures accuracy, avoids delay, and expedites signing.

The costs of PC Mediation vary and depend upon the complexity of your case and how cooperative and reasonable the parties are.   The simpler the issues and the less evidence required, the lower the costs.

Our fees are always known in advance before your mediation starts.   Unless otherwise agreed to, we expect that our fees will be equally shared– which ensures that all parties are equally invested in this process.

• The initial Pre-Mediation Screening session fee is $500.00 (to be shared)
• The minimum fee for all mediations is $3,000.00, which includes preparation work and a half day (3-hour Session). (to be shared)
• The fee for each additional ½ day (per 3-hour Session) is $1,000.00. (to be shared)
• If you want the mediator to prepare a draft written agreement reflecting your terms, there is an additional fee of $500.00. (to be shared)
• If you require a court order there is an additional fee of $500.00 (to be shared)

Payment in full is required when your Mediation session is booked.  Mediation sessions will not be scheduled unless the applicable fee is paid in full.

• Your Mediation date can be cancelled up to 7 days before it is scheduled to start,  but will be subject to a $250.00 processing fee.
  • If your Mediation is cancelled with less than 7 days’ notice, there is a $500.00 proceeding fee.

• Your Court date can be rescheduled up to 7 days in advance, without penalty.
  • If your Court date is rescheduled with less than 7 days’ notice, there is a $250.00 fee.

We only bill you for the scheduled Mediation sessions that you participate in (except when rescheduled or cancelled without 7 days’ notice), as well as for the preparation of your agreement and/or order.

We do not bill you for unused Mediation session time!  We encourage all participants to save money by using session time effectively and work expeditiously to a mutually satisfactory agreement.

If you are not able to reach an agreement, your mediator will provide information on other options, including our PC Court (arbitration) or traditional court.

If you reach a roadblock or are stuck on a particular issue that prevents you from resolving matters, your mediator may recommend that you use our PC Court where a neutral PC arbitrator will hear evidence and make a decision on the issue.  Once the issue is decided you can return to and proceed with your mediation.

Mediation is not possible if only one side wants to participate.  All parties have to be invested in and see a value in dialoguing and working out their own resolutions.

If you are unsure if PC Mediation is right of you, you may wish to schedule a Pre-Mediation Screening session to find out more and if this or other options are best for you.

You may need to revisit the issues, re-attend at Mediation, or seek out other options to resolve matters.

Importantly, we ensure that your mediator is a knowledgeable lawyer who can provide insight and general information about your rights.  We always encourage parties to seek out legal advice prior to and throughout their mediation.  This ensures that you fully understand your legal rights and avoids the need for having to renegotiate your agreement.

A binding arbitration process, where the parties agree to have our PC Court Judge determine their legal matter.  Before starting, the parties agree to be bound by the decision, which will be rendered at the end of your Court session.

Your Judge is an experienced lawyer with knowledge of the particular area of law and the rules of evidence.

All parties must agree to participate in PC Court.   Our PC Court follow traditional court process and laws of evidence, but is less formal.  Parties can attend alone, or with lawyers.

Before formal mediation commences, each party provides a written brief outlining their concerns, needs, goals, and priorities for mediation.  Briefs are shared with other parties and the mediator.

All parties attend at an initial 1-hour Pre-Court session, where we learn about the issues, answer any questions you may have, and to offer directions as to what each party needs to do to prepare for our mediation session.  Homework can include directing the parties to secure or review vital documents (such as financial statements), investigate options (such as for care/ financing/and housing), and even seek out legal advice.  All documents and information will need to be produced to the Judge and the opposing party well in advance.

Only after you have attended the Pre-Court screening, and completed all homework, will you be scheduled for a Court date.  Payment in full is required before your Court date is booked.

We will prepare all documents that the parties’ wish to rely upon at trial, and the Judge will direct which party goes first and may steer participants through issues and evidence, and ask questions.

If you need more Court time than has been allotted, additional time with the same Judge will be arranged.

At the end of the Court proceeding, the Judge will render an oral decision.

A written decision and /or order can be prepared by request, for an additional fee.

The length of your Court session will depend upon the complexity of the issues and how much evidence, witnesses may be involved for each side.  Our People’s Corner Court Judge, along with the parties, will decide how long the hearing will be set for.

Court sessions are readily available and can be accessed quickly, once all of you have attended at Pre-Court Screening, and assembled all of your evidence.   You should be able to get into a trial and have your matter decided within a few months.

All of our Judges/ Arbitrators are experienced lawyers with knowledge in the specific area of law, as well as in court process and the laws of evidence.  Our Court dates are widely available and our sessions are reasonably priced.

Our Court sessions are more readily available and can be accessed quickly, much more cheaply, and offer you a decision within a short period of time.  It can take years and thousands of dollars to get to a trial, and once at trial you can expect to pay approximately $15,000.00 per week of trial.

The same rules of evidence apply at our Court.  Our process is more informal, making it easier for self-reps to participate in our process.

We guarantee you a decision.  You always know the costs beforehand.

The costs of PC Court vary and depend upon the complexity of the case and how long you need for Court.    The simpler the issues and the less evidence (documents/ witnesses), the lower the costs.

Our fees are always known in advance before your Court date starts.   Unless otherwise agreed to, we expect that our fees will be equally shared– which ensures that all parties are equally invested in this process.

• The initial Pre-Court Screening session fee is $500.00 (to be shared)
• The minimum fee for all PC Court sessions is $3,000.00, which includes preparation work and a half day (3-hour Session). (to be shared)
• The fee for each additional ½ day (per 3-hour Session) is $1,000.00. (to be shared)
• If you want the PC Judge to prepare a draft written Decision, there is an additional fee of $500.00. (to be shared)
• If you require a court order there is an additional fee of $500.00 (to be shared)

Payment in full is required when your Court date is booked.  Court dates will not be scheduled unless the applicable fee is paid in full.

• Your Court date can be cancelled up to 7 days before it is scheduled to start,  but will be subject to a $250.00 processing fee.
  • If your Court date is cancelled with less than 7 days’ notice, there is a $500.00 proceeding fee.

• Your Court date can be rescheduled up to 7 days in advance, without penalty.
  • If your Court date is rescheduled with less than 7 days’ notice, there is a $250.00 fee.

We only bill you for the Court sessions that you participate in (except when rescheduled or cancelled without 7 days’ notice), as well as for the preparation of a written decision and/or order.

We do not bill you for unused Court time!  We encourage all participants to save money by organizing your documents, witnesses, and evidence in advance and effectively, and to streamline their cases.

Arbitration with PC Court is only possible where all parties agree.

If you are unsure if PC Court is right for you, you may wish to schedule a Pre-Court Screening session to find out more and about other options.

If a party is unhappy with the Judge’s decision, the recourse will be to commence proceedings in the traditional Court.  It is however, agreed that our Judge’s decision can be provided to the Court, and may be relied upon as a breach of contract, and for damages for breach of agreement or costs.

No.  However, if conduct of a party amounts to a breach of contract, including by not accepting or adhering to the Judge’s decision, this may be a basis for damages and costs to be awarded against the disgruntled party.

Our coaching sessions are delivered by experienced professionals with knowledge in the specific subject areas.  In many cases, they are specialists in their field.

Coaching is intended to be a more intensive, one-on-one training that helps you work on or through specific tasks or issues.

Sometimes this is improving communication or advocacy skills, or improving your effectiveness as a parent.

Our  coached you how to handle yourself at court, through assessments, and in dealing with ex-spouses and extended family.

Individualized coaching is tailored to meet your needs and your case, and is available for a rate of $150.00 per hour.

We understand that many legal-based issues are overwhelming and that often, people just do not know what to do, where to start, or how to handle certain situations.  Often figuring out the “right” or “correct” response or approach happens too late, once irreparable damage is done.   We have specially designed coaching sessions and other seminars to show you that you are not alone and help is available.

We tailor coaching to fit your needs and case, based upon an hourly rate of $150.00.

We are pleased to organize workshops for your group on any legal-based topic.  Topics include legal issues that affect business /workplaces – such as protecting client confidentiality, and advising clients about designations, insurance, or mortgages, as well as wellness issues – such as managing stress when dealing with separation or parent care.

We are pleased to work with your group to design a workshop series for lunch and learn or Continuing Professional Development.

Contact us for more information or to set up a customized session.

Our Seminars and Parenting Series are an excellent resource for separated parents.  We explain what custody means, what care arrangements are possible, factors to consider when planning, and the importance of putting children’s needs first.

Our Parenting Series tackles many of the issues that children struggle with and that parents need to handle.  We explain what to look for, what you can do, resources that can help, and how to work with professionals, including at school.

We offer Seminars and coaching for  “high conflict”parents. We help you understand how to handle toxic communications and what an appropriate response looks like.   We also explain the impact that conflict has on children,  how to de-escalate conflict, and how to insulate children.