28 years of experience, on your side of the agreement

Get strategic legal advice and drafting for your separation agreement separate from litigation counsel.

Scope of work

One retainer, clear parameters

A defined engagement with one client, a focused scope, and a working document that tracks agreements as they take shape.

Lawyer meeting with a client at an office desk

Exclusive client focus

Cori represents only you, never your spouse, so every piece of advice puts your interests first.

Legal documents and pen on a lawyer's desk

Defined retainer scope

The retainer covers strategic advice and drafting your separation agreement, nothing else. No surprises.

Two people reviewing a contract together

Shared living document

One working settlement document that evolves with your negotiations, recording agreements along the way.

Lawyer writing notes during a meeting

Continuous updates

The document is updated as talks progress, so you always know exactly where you stand.

Gavel and law books in a courtroom

No court appearances

Litigation, court appearances, and trial work fall outside this retainer, keeping costs predictable.

Professional handshake between a lawyer and client

Litigation counsel ready

You can bring in separate litigation counsel at any time without disrupting your settlement work.

LIVING DOCUMENT

Follow the document as it evolves

This shared settlement document tracks every agreement and proposed compromise, so both parties stay aligned on agreement and focused on narrowing any areas of disagreement. It updates continuously during negotiations, reducing misunderstandings and keeping clarity throughout the process.

FAQ

Straight talk about working with your lawyer

Honest answers on how Settlement Counsel fits alongside your existing legal team.

Can my litigation lawyer review the draft settlement agreement?

Yes. Your litigation counsel can review any draft we prepare together. This keeps your legal team fully informed and ensures the settlement aligns with your broader case strategy.

Is further drafting billed hourly after the initial scope?

Yes, additional drafting, beyond the original scope and an hour of changes agreed after the initial draft, is billed at our standard hourly rate. We'll confirm the scope upfront and flag any extra work before it happens, so there are no surprises.

Is this service standalone or does it require litigation counsel?

It works either way. Settlement Counsel is a standalone service that many clients use without any litigation counsel. If you do have litigation counsel, we coordinate smoothly with them.

Can I add full litigation support later if needed?

Yes. Full litigation support remains available if your matter escalates. You're never locked into one path. Many clients start with settlement and only involve litigation counsel if negotiations stall.

How do Settlement Counsel and litigation counsel divide responsibilities?

Settlement Counsel focuses on negotiating and drafting the settlement agreement. Litigation counsel handles court proceedings and broader case strategy. The two roles complement each other without duplicating work.

Will my litigation lawyer feel sidelined by this arrangement?

No. We share drafts and updates directly with your litigation counsel throughout the process. Most lawyers appreciate having a dedicated colleague handling the settlement work while they focus on the litigation track.

Still have questions?

Call (250) 717-0926 to talk through how Settlement Counsel fits your situation.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

What does the separation agreement package cover?

One flat fee covers the full separation agreement scope under s. 6, with two revisions and identity verification built in.

The full package

Separation agreement

$2,000

one-time

Complete legal documentation for your separation, drafted by a BC family law lawyer.

Start your agreement

Property division

Spousal support terms

Child custody terms

Asset and debt allocation

Two full revision rounds

Client ID verification

Book your Settlement Counsel consultation

Start your separation agreement the right way. With 28 years of BC family law experience, Cori McGuire will guide you through every step.