This might sound like a rant and we hate to bum people out during the festive season when everyone is loading up their stockings and the balances on their exhausted credit cards but…
What does coffee have to do with your agreement? First, you should pour yourself a strong coffee when you read the draft. Alertness helps and there’s a lot to take in.
When we are asked to advise a client with respect to a separation agreement, marriage contract or cohabitation agreement we get the same questions. We already agree on all the terms of the agreement, so why do we have to prolong the discussion? We just want to sign it and move on. Why do you care about having a full understanding of both spouses’ financial situations? Why can’t I just tell you what I know about our money? We have no secrets. Why do you have to see actual statements, appraisals and valuations? Unsurprisingly, clients want the process to be simple, inexpensive and over in a flash.
Each situation is specific and each family has unique financial circumstances. It’s easy for anyone to discuss the generalities of an agreement and the law. Full financial disclosure is a critical step to obtaining proper advice on a domestic contract. This rule doesn’t satisfy most clients until we explain that without financial disclosure, without knowing the assets and debts of both parties at various times along with reviewing the last few years of income tax returns and notices of assessment, the client may as well buy their best friend a coffee and have a chat. The coffee date will yield an off-the-cuff analysis by a trusted confidant who may have been through the process. You’ll get what you pay for.
Do yourself a favour – set up a discovery call with us and then take your friend out for that coffee @timhortons @starbucksdowntownoakville @aroma_oakville @tribecacoffeeco. We want our clients to be in a position to make informed decisions. Let’s have a virtual coffee and let us give you some real legal advice. It’s what we do.