Legal Question in Family Law in Canada

Re: Lawyer fees

In British Columbia, the answer to whether or not a lawyer can increase fees from time to time depends on the retainer agreement. If you do not approve of your lawyer's fees, you may have the bills assessed by attending at the Supreme Court Registry in your city and obtaining an Appointment to Assess the Bills. The Registry Staff will have the appropriate forms and will give you a date on which to have the matter decided by the Registrar.

It is true that the other side does not pay your legal bills, but this is subject to the judge of the Supreme Court O British Columbia's discretion to award some money to assist with the bills; this is called "costs". In a Provincial Court of B.C. case costs in a family law case are not awarded; only in a supreme Court matter.