What Happens After Your First Meeting with a Lawyer in BC. You have decided to move forward — here is what the process looks like. Stage 1 — The retainer agreement (Week 1-2): your lawyer sends a retainer agreement setting out the scope of work, hourly rate, and trust deposit. The deposit is yours and held in trust — only drawn on as work is done. Stage 2 — Gathering documents (Week 2-4): collect financial records, property information, parenting history, or estate documents as requested. Getting these together promptly is the single biggest thing you can do to keep costs down. Stage 3 — Your lawyer gets to work (Weeks 4-8): drafts letters, prepares forms, negotiates, or files court documents. You receive copies of everything. Stage 4 — Negotiation or court process (Ongoing): most matters resolve through negotiation. Mediation is often the next step if negotiation stalls. Court is the last resort. Stage 5 — Resolution: you receive a final separation agreement, consent order, will, or other document. Six habits to stay organized: keep one folder for everything; write down questions as they come up; note every deadline in your calendar; communicate in writing where possible; review your invoices; be careful what you share elsewhere. Common questions: how long matters take (4-8 weeks uncontested to 1-3 years contested), how much they cost ($3,000-$8,000 uncontested to $30,000-$100,000+ litigated), what to do if you cannot afford to continue (tell your lawyer early). Sea to Sky Law Group, Suite 109 — 245 East Columbia Street, Sapperton, New Westminster, BC V3L 3W4. Call 604-521-9455. Free intake call, no obligation.