Bill Pope: Lawyer

NOTE: This fee schedule is provided as a general guide only: these fees are representative amounts for typical instances of the services described. Actual fees could vary, depending on the complexity of the work, the amount of time and expertise involved, and the urgency of expediting the services (as well as other factors).

Service

Typical Fee

Notes

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(“service” refers to legal service and advice, and goes beyond simple document preparation and “notarization”)

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(all fees are subject to taxes and disbursements)

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Property Transfers
Representing the vendor (seller) in the sale of a home, where there is no mortgage to discharge

$800

If the sale price is higher than $800,000, then the fees are one tenth of a percent (.001) of the sale price. For example, if the sale price is $1,000,000, then the fee would be $1,000.

Representing the vendor (seller) in the sale of a home, where there is a mortgage to discharge

$1200

If the sale price is higher than $800,000, then the fees are .0015 of the sale price. For example, if the sale price is $1,000,000, then the fee would be $1,500.

Representing the buyer in the purchase of a home, where there is no new mortgage required to finance the purchase

$800

Disbursements and other costs and charges can add quite a bit onto the total cost of purchasing a home. Most property transfers in British Columbia are subject to Property Transfer Tax of at least 1% of the value of the property (and usually more than that). If the purchase price is higher than $800,000, then the fees are one tenth of a percent (.001) of the sale price. For example, if the sale price is $1,000,000, then the fee would be $1,000.

Representing the buyer in the purchase of a home, where there is a mortgage required to assist in the purchase

$1200

See the notes above, relating to other costs and charges in the purchase of property.
If the sale price is higher than $800,000, then the fees are .0015 of the purchase price. For example, if the sale price is $1,000,000, then the fee would be $1,500.

Representing the lender or borrower in securing a mortgage over residential property (e.g., refinancing, reverse mortgage, line of credit)

$800

The complexity of mortgage work (and the legal fees and other costs associated with that work) can vary from lender to lender, and from home to home. Along with different fees based on such complexities, fees also increase on the basis of the amount of the mortgage; loans over $800,000 will involve fees of .1% of the amount of the mortgage loan.

Representing both the vendor (seller) and purchaser (buyer) in a simple residential property transfer

$600 for each

Representation of both parties in a simple residential conveyance is fairly common, but it is still treated as an exception to the general principle that each party is entitled to dedicated and independent legal representation in any matter. I may act on behalf of both parties in a simple residential conveyance, but only if requested to do so, and only if both parties clearly understand the limitations and conditions of having one lawyer represent both of them.

Estate Planning
Representing one person in connection with a will, including receipt of instructions, necessary advice on options regarding the will, drafting the will and ensuring that it is properly executed and witnessed, and filing a notice at the British Columbia Will Registry.

$400

The total account, including taxes and disbursements, is usually about $500.

Representing a couple in connection with two similar simple wills, including receipt of instructions, necessary advice on options regarding the will, drafting the will and ensuring that it is properly executed and witnessed, and filing a notice at the British Columbia Will Registry

$600

The total account, including taxes and disbursements, is usually about $700

Representing one person in the preparation of an enduring power of attorney, and ensuring that that person has properly executed the power of attorney

$300

Representing two people in the preparation of similar (mutual) enduring powers of attorney, and ensuring that those people have properly executed the power sof attorney

$400

Services associated with the preparation of a representation agreement for one person, including all things necessary to ensure that the representation agreement has been properly and effectively executed by its grantor and by the “representative” appointed by it.

$500

Services associated with the preparation of similar (mutual) representation agreements for a couple, including all things necessary to ensure that the representation agreement has been properly and effectively executed by each person in the couple.

$700

Corporate and Commercial Services
All services related to the incorporation of a British Columbia company, including taxes, filing fee, and other disbursements and charges.

$1500

About a third of that total amount represents fees paid to the Provincial Government.
Representing a British Columbia limited company after incorporation, including the preparation, delivery, review and filing of annual reports at the corporate registry

$300 per year, plus taxes, filing fees and other charges and disbursements

Miscellaneous Services
Simple certification (“notarizing”) of a single document, including preparation of a certified copy of such a document

$100

This does NOT include services for completing the document, nor does it include any advice relating to it; instead, it is limited to the very basic confirmation of identity and certification of signing associated with certification or “notarizing”. Note, too, that the notarizing of “do-it-yourself” legal documents (e.g., land transfers, travel authorizations, powers of attorney and bills of sale prepared by clients on their own) will usually be rejected or subject to higher fees, because of an implied professional responsibility to ensure that such documents have been properly drafted.
Witnessing of a land title document prepared by another lawyer or notary

$200

Other legal services not listed here

Generally billed at $240 per hour, plus taxes and other charges and disbursements

*: Taxes are G.S.T. and sales tax on all fees, and on most disbursements paid on your behalf
In each of the above cases, the stated fees represent the work for simple cases; although most matters do fit into the "simple" category, there are exceptions, so you should not assume that your work will always be classed as "simple": your fees could be higher than the fees noted above, and you should verify the total fees before proceeding with your work.