Home • Frequently Asked Questions
The information below addresses some of the questions we are most commonly asked about our firm and our services. If you do not see your question here, we welcome you to contact our office.
Yes. From your initial consultation through to signing and completion, a lawyer remains actively involved in your matter. We believe that accessibility and accountability matter — especially when you are making significant financial, personal, or business decisions.
Our clients value knowing that their questions are being answered by the lawyer or team of lawyers responsible for their file.
Our office is located in the City’s downtown core at 819 Queen Street East, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
There is free 2-hour parking in the Heritage Lot beside our office.
We are open Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and are closed for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
You can contact us by phone at (705) 942-0235 or email us at reception@splawyers.ca. You can also send us a message through the contact form on our website. A member of our team will be in touch as soon as possible.
Yes. We regularly assist clients across Ontario and internationally. Our office is equipped to provide legal services in a completely remote/digital setting if desired by the client.
We do not bundle estate planning services into other transactions.
Estate planning is too important to treat as a “freebie”. A properly prepared will and powers of attorney require thoughtful consideration of your family dynamics, assets, business interests (if any), and long-term objectives.
When you retain us for estate planning, you will:
• Meet directly with a lawyer to analyze your circumstances and estate planning goals;
• Review the core components of an estate plan, including wills and powers of attorney;
• Provide instructions tailored to your specific needs; and
• Return to meet with that same lawyer to review and execute your estate planning documents.
We view estate planning as foundational work and not a promotional extra. Our process reflects that philosophy.
Yes. We offer consultations to discuss your legal issue(s) to determine if and how we can assist you. Consultation fees (if applicable) will be explained to you when you make your initial appointment to meet with one of our lawyers.
Your first meeting is designed to be practical, informative, and focused on understanding your circumstances and objectives.
You will meet directly with a lawyer or team of lawyers who will take the time to understand your situation, explain the legal process, and answer your initial questions. Whether your matter involves real estate, estate planning, business law, family law, personal injury, litigation or other area of practice, we always start by learning what matters most to you and outlining next steps in plain language.
We believe clients should leave their first meeting with clarity – not confusion – and a clear understanding of how their matter will move forward.
No. A solicitor-client relationship is only established once we have confirmed our ability to act for you and a formal arrangement between you and the firm is in place.
We believe in transparent billing.
At the outset of your matter, we will discuss fees and provide an estimate or fee structure tailored to your specific work. Depending on the type of engagement, this may be a flat fee, hourly billing, or a combination of both. We will let you know at the outset if, and when, a retainer is required.
We aim to avoid surprises. If circumstances change or additional work becomes necessary, we communicate that early so you can make informed decisions.
Our focus is on delivering value-driven legal services with clarity around cost.
Absolutely. We take confidentiality seriously and handle client and potential client information in accordance with our professional obligations as required by the Law Society of Ontario.
Yes, in most situations.
Where appropriate, our firm is able to act for both the buyer and the seller on the same real estate transaction, provided that different lawyers within our firm represent each party and all parties consent to our firm acting on both sides.
We carefully assess every request to act on both sides of a transaction to ensure it is appropriate and compliant with our professional obligations. Our priority is always to protect your interests.