At SARFO LAW, we prioritize your convenience by offering seamless, virtual communication tailored to the needs of the 21st century. Whether you require assistance with criminal, family, or immigration law, or need notary services, we are committed to staying accessible wherever you are. We use various virtual platforms to ensure that you can easily connect with us from the comfort of your home, office, or even on the go using your cellphone or laptop. Our flexible approach allows us to meet your needs efficiently, without compromising the quality of our service.

As our client, your role is essential to the success of your case. We encourage open and honest communication, providing us with all relevant information and documents in a timely manner. Your active participation is crucial—whether it’s responding to our inquiries, attending virtual meetings, or providing feedback.

By working closely with us, you help ensure that we can effectively advocate for your interests. Together, we form a partnership aimed at achieving the best possible outcome for your legal matters.

Yes, the information you share with your lawyer is strictly confidential. Under Canadian law, solicitor-client privilege is a fundamental right protected by the Canadian Constitution and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This privilege ensures that any communication between you and your lawyer is kept private and cannot be disclosed without your consent.

However, there are rare exceptions to this rule. Your information may only be divulged if required by a court order or if there is an imminent risk of harm to yourself or others, where it becomes necessary to prevent serious injury or danger. Even in these situations, only the essential information needed to address the risk would be shared.

At SARFO LAW, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your communications with us remain confidential, allowing you to speak openly and honestly, knowing that your information is secure.

In Ontario, to ‘retain a lawyer’ means that you have formally hired a lawyer to represent you in a legal matter. This typically involves signing a retainer agreement, which outlines the scope of the lawyer’s services, the fees, and other terms of the engagement. You may also be required to provide a retainer fee, which is an upfront payment that goes toward the cost of your legal representation.

Retaining a lawyer means that your lawyer will act on your behalf, providing legal advice, representing you in court or negotiations, and managing your legal affairs related to the case. It establishes a formal relationship where your lawyer is obligated to act in your best interests, maintaining confidentiality and upholding the highest standards of professional conduct.

At SARFO LAW, we make this process straightforward and transparent, ensuring that you understand your rights and responsibilities from the moment you retain our services.

Unfortunately, SARFO LAW does not offer pro bono services at this time. However, we are committed to helping those in need of legal assistance. We recommend reaching out to Legal Aid Ontario, where you may be eligible to apply for a legal aid certificate. This certificate can be used to secure legal representation and support for your case. We are happy to guide you in the right direction to ensure you receive the help you need.

In Ontario, legal fees for services in family, immigration, and criminal law can vary depending on the complexity of your case, the time required, and the level of expertise needed. At SARFO LAW, we follow the guidelines set by the Law Society of Ontario to ensure our fees are fair, transparent, and reasonable.

Typically, you may be charged in one or more of the following ways:

1. *Hourly Rate:* You are billed for the time your lawyer spends working on your case. The hourly rate will be specified in your retainer agreement.

2. *Flat Fee:* For certain services, such as preparing specific documents or handling straightforward cases, a flat fee may be charged. This amount is agreed upon upfront and covers the entire service.

3. *Retainer Fee:* A retainer fee is an upfront payment that secures our services and is applied toward your legal costs as they arise. The amount and use of the retainer will be outlined in your retainer agreement.

We will provide you with a clear and detailed retainer agreement that outlines the fee structure before we begin any work. This agreement will also explain any potential additional costs, such as court fees or expert reports, that might arise during your case. Our goal is to ensure you have a full understanding of how you will be charged so that there are no surprises.

At SARFO LAW, we are committed to providing you with quality legal services at a cost that reflects the value of the work we do on your behalf.

In Ontario, lawyers have several key responsibilities, especially when providing legal services in areas like family, immigration, and criminal law, as well as notary services. These responsibilities are guided by the rules and ethical standards set by the Law Society of Ontario to ensure the highest level of professionalism and integrity. At SARFO LAW, our primary responsibilities include:

1. *Providing Competent Legal Advice:* We are committed to offering sound, accurate, and practical legal advice tailored to your specific situation. This involves staying up-to-date with the latest laws and legal precedents in family, immigration, and criminal law.

2. *Representing Your Interests:* Whether in court, negotiations, or other legal proceedings, our primary duty is to advocate for your best interests. We will work diligently to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

3. *Maintaining Confidentiality:* We are bound by solicitor-client privilege, meaning all communications between you and our firm are kept strictly confidential. Your privacy is a top priority, and we will only disclose information when legally required, such as by a court order or in cases of imminent danger.

4. *Acting with Integrity and Honesty:* We are obligated to act with honesty and integrity in all dealings, both with you and others involved in your case. This includes providing realistic expectations about the outcomes of your legal matter and ensuring transparent communication.

5. *Managing Legal Documents and Procedures:* We handle all necessary paperwork, filings, and procedures related to your case, ensuring that everything is done correctly and on time. This also includes notarizing documents when required.

6. *Keeping You Informed:* Throughout the legal process, we will keep you informed about the progress of your case, explain your options, and provide guidance on the best course of action. We believe in clear and open communication to help you understand each step of the process.

7. *Upholding Ethical Standards:* As members of the legal profession, we are committed to upholding the ethical standards set by the Law Society of Ontario. This includes avoiding conflicts of interest, respecting the rule of law, and acting in a manner that reflects positively on the legal profession.

At SARFO LAW, we take these responsibilities seriously and strive to provide you with the highest level of legal service, ensuring your rights are protected and your legal needs are met effectively.