The Money Smart
Divorce Solution
Clear, Straightforward and Realistic Pricing
...Without Going to Court.
Our Separation and Divorce Prices
HOW MUCH DOES IT REALLY COST TO SEPARATE IN ONTARIO?
Let’s get real—divorce costs can and will add up fast, therefore it’s important to know what you’re paying for. Let’s cut through the confusion, the more lawyers are involved, the more it will cost you. From a financial perspective, Family Mediation is usually your cheapest and quickest option, while going to court with a lawyer is the most expensive and takes the longest.
When choosing a divorce process, don’t just focus on hourly rates—It’s about understanding what’s included in that rate and how much work actually gets done. Does the service offer fixed rates or package prices? How long it will take to get the job done.
You also need to watch out for hidden costs—things like drafting fees, court fees, document prep, independent legal advice or financial disclosure aren’t always included upfront. Make sure you’re comparing the full picture, not just the hourly rate.. Know what you’re getting into and pick a process that works best for your family and your budget.
Truthfully, nobody can perfectly predict exactly how much it’s going to cost you to separate… ultimately that comes down to you and your spouse.
People often confuse complexity with amicability. The complexity of divorce entails formally addressing financial elements such as mortgages, pensions, real estate, investments, taxes, etc., as well as properly dealing with post-divorce matters such as Support, co-parenting, title changes, etc. The amicability or acrimony of a file does not change the complexity of these issues, but will make the legal processes easier for all involved.
The Cost of Your Divorce...
will be a combination of the following factors
- The level of acrimony and hostility between you and your spouse.
- Your willingness to work together.
- The Legal Processes you both choose.
- The amount and complexity of your financial and property issues.
- The extent that you involve lawyers & professionals to assist you.
Realistic and Affordable Divorce Costs in Ontario
Common Sense Divorce PLUS
High-Asset Negotiation Plan
Common Sense Divorce PLUS
Full Service Mediation Plan
Common Sense Divorce Plus
High-Asset Negotiation Services WithSpecialized Professional Assistance
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Financial Disclosure & Review
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Client Care & Support Services
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4 Mediation Sessions
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Pre-Mediation Legal Advice
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Home Services Session
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CDFA Financial Session
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Financial/Tax Session
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Separation Memo Plan (MOU)
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Lawyer-Drafted Separation Agreement
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Independent Legal Review
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Signing Session
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Divorce Court Application
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Additional CDFA & Legal Time
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Access to Lunch & Learns
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Add-ons
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Divorce Coaching
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Divorce Decree Application & Fees
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Payment Plans Available
The Common Sense Divorce
Bundled Mediation Plan
The Common Sense Divorce
Bundled Mediation Plan
The Common Sense Divorce
Bundled Financial Mediation Plan-
Financial Disclosure & Review
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Client Care & Support Services
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4 Mediation Sessions
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Home Services Session
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CDFA Financial Session
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Separation Memo Plan (MOU)
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Lawyer-Drafted Separation Agreement
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Independent Legal Review
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Signing Session
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Divorce Court Application
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Simple Will/Estate Planning
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Access to Lunch & Learns
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Add-ons
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Divorce Coaching
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Divorce Decree Application & Fees
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Simple Tax Return
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Payment Plans Available
Lawyer-Led Negotiations
Litigation Retainer
Lawyer Led Negotiations
Litigation Retainer
Lawyer Led Negotiations
LitigationRetainer
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Financial Disclosure & Review
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Home Services Session
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Client Care & Support Services
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Family Lawyer Retainer
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Add-ons
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Divorce Coaching
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Additional Legal Hours (Discounted)
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CDFA Financial & Tax Session
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Lawyer-Drafted Separation Agreement
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Divorce Court Application
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Divorce Decree Application & Fees
What Makes The Common Sense Divorce UNIQUE
Divorce is more than just a legal process—it’s a life transition.
The Common Sense Divorce© offers a unique, integrated family law approach that addresses not just the legal aspects, but also the financial, emotional, and practical realities faced by families. From real estate and mortgages to wills and estate planning, our expert team works together to minimize conflict and guide you toward a fresh start.
Industry-Leading Family Law Professionals
Solution Specialists
Industry Leaders - Collaboratively trained to work together.
Client Care
&
Support Services
SUPPORTING YOU
REAL ESTATE STRATEGIES
Where Will I Live?
Our Home Services Team of Realtors , Mortgage Brokers and Real Estate Lawyers understand Family Law and will help you implement the best strategies and solutions for your home.
WILLS
&
ESTATE PLANNING
Finalize Your New Will
Your new Will is taken care of before you sign your Separation Agreement.
MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS
How Do I Keep My Home?
Savvy Financial Expertise
Understand Your Money
Virtual & Online Technologies
Virtual Innovation Has Changed Family Law
Income Taxes
Filing Your Taxes
Process Tracker©
WHERE AM I IN THIS PROCESS??
Lunch
&
Learns
#NewBeginnings
We have created and implemented negotiation solutions that were not possible in traditional legal settings.
Unique, innovative and a financially smarter solutions with a focus on helping families leave acrimony behind and move forward to New Beginnings.
Understanding Divorce Costs in Ontario: Apples to Apples
When you are researching and making decisions regarding legal processes, it is important to understand the real costs involved.
Typically, the least expensive legal process (and fastest) will be family mediation, and then, collaborative law. The most expensive process will always be a traditional litigation lawyer, especially if court is involved.
Many, if not most lawyers, mediators and financial professionals will bill you “by the hour” which is then broken down by a minimum of “6 minute increments.” For example if a professional’s billable rate is $400 per hour, then each “6 minute increment” will cost you $40. If you spoke to them on the phone for 10 minutes you will be billed for two “6 minute increments” or $80.
Typically a lawyer’s hourly rate is reflective of how many years they have been practising law. A more expensive rate does not automatically mean they are a better lawyer. It means they have been practising longer.
Conversely a cheaper professional does not mean you will save money. A professional charging $250 per hour may need 10 hours to complete what a $400 professional could accomplish in 5 hours.
Not all Family Mediators are lawyers and not all Family Lawyers make good mediators. Mediation is a very specific skillset and what makes one a good lawyer does not always make one a good mediator. Mediators who are lawyers will be more expensive.
Not all legal price quotes will include everything that will be required to get you to completion. In all processes you will always pay for the professionals involved.
But not all pricing clearly indicates if you will also be required to pay for necessary services such as financial disclosure, agreement drafting, document sharing, disbursements, reviews, communications, Court fees, or as is the case with mediation, Independent Legal Advice (ILA) at the end of your process. Be sure to fully understand what is included in the price and what is not.
A retainer does not mean the final price. A retainer is the amount paid as a deposit on the work to be accomplished on your behalf. It is not unusual for a professional to require you to “top up” the retainer two or three times.
Deciding on a legal process should not be based on price alone. The best process is the process that works best for your family. Make your decisions based on the realities of your situation, the qualifications of the professionals involved and ultimately what is a good fit for you and your situation.