LIMITED SCOPE RETAINER AGREEMENT

ADMINISTRATION DOCUMENTS PACKAGE

THIS AGREEMENT, “the Agreement”, is a contract for employment of legal counsel between Sarah Gravelines (“the Lawyer”) and the individual accepting this Agreement online ("the Client.")

This is a limited scope retainer for document preparation only, as described below.

By signing this Agreement, the Client employs the Lawyer to provide certain legal services.

Representation and Duties of the Lawyer.  The Lawyer is being retained to prepare documents necessary to apply for letters of administration with the Manitoba Court of King’s Bench.  This package is intended for administrations where the Client is able to complete filing steps on their own.

The Lawyer will provide the following services (the “Covered Services”):

1.      Preparing a “Legal Document Package” to obtain letters of administration with the Manitoba Court of King’s Bench, including some or all of the following as applicable:

a.       Request for Letters of Administration;

b.      Inventory;

c.       Renunciation of Administration;

d.      Nomination of Administrator;

e.       Consent to Administration Waiving Bond and/or Surety;

f.        Affidavit in Support of a Request to Dispense with Bond and/or Surety;

g.      Letters of Administration;

h.      Written step-by-step instructions;

2.      Communicating with the Client to obtain information necessary to complete the Legal Document Package;

3.      Delivering the Legal Document Package to the Client by email in PDF and Word formats (unless otherwise agreed);

Services Not Included (Not covered by this Agreement)

The Client understands that they are responsible for completing all steps not included in the Covered Services, including service and filing.  The Lawyer is not responsible for the outcome of any filing or court processing steps completed by the Client.

1.      Communications made on behalf of the Client to any lawyers, the court or opposing parties, including emails, letters, phone calls, virtual calls or in-person appointments;

2.      Attendance at court proceedings or other proceedings on behalf of the Client;

3.      Filing documents with the Court of King’s Bench;

4.      Providing independent legal advice to any other parties;

5.      Contacting the Court of King’s Bench registry on the Client’s behalf;

6.      Administering the estate;

7.      Executing or witnessing documents unless expressly agreed.

DUTIES OF THE CLIENT

The Client agrees that they will provide the necessary accurate information requested by the Lawyer.  The Client agrees that there may be circumstances where the Lawyer requests the provision of certain documents including, but not limited to, a death certificate, statements substantiating the deceased’s assets or debts, copies of any income tax statements or pay statements.  The Client agrees that any delay in providing any required documents may delay the Lawyer in finalizing any matter.

The Client acknowledges that the Lawyer is relying on the Client’s information, and errors or omissions may affect the documents.

The Client agrees to provide a credit card number which shall be stored securely within the LawPay Credit Card Vault.

TERMINATION OF REPRESENTATION

Representation shall be terminated upon the Lawyer delivering the Legal Document Package to the Client, unless otherwise agreed between the Lawyer and Client.  The Legal Document Package will be delivered by email in PDF and Word formats, unless otherwise agreed.

In consideration of the Covered Services to be furnished by the Lawyer, Client shall pay the Lawyer pursuant to the following fee arrangements:  

Fees. 

In consideration of the Covered Services to be furnished by the Lawyer, Client shall pay the Lawyer the sum of $750.00, plus applicable taxes.

In the event the Client requests that the Lawyer witness or notarize any documents, an in-person signing appointment may be scheduled for a fee of $95.00 plus taxes for a period of up to 20 minutes.

In the event the Lawyer and Client agree that the Lawyer will provide additional legal services, including consultation, advice or coaching, additional fees may be incurred at an hourly rate of $300.00 plus applicable taxes.  Any additional services must be agreed to in writing and may require a retainer or additional payment. 

Upon delivery of the Legal Document Package, or provision of any other agreed upon legal services, the Client authorizes the Lawyer to charge the Client’s credit card stored in the LawPay Credit Card Vault for fees and applicable taxes when due, and the Lawyer will provide a statement of account at the same time.

Termination of Services.  The Client may terminate the representation at any time. Any such termination does not relieve the Client of the obligation to pay any amounts owed for fees and expenses incurred through the date of termination.

The Lawyer may terminate the representation and cease providing services under this Agreement if:

1.1.            The Lawyer discovers any conflict of interest;

1.2.            The Client fails to pay immediately when due any amounts required to be paid under this Agreement;

1.3.            The Lawyer discovers that the Client has made any misrepresentation in connection with the representation, or the Lawyer discovers any material variance between the facts as related to the Lawyer by the Client and the facts as they actually exist;

1.4.            The Client acts in such a manner that, in the discretion of the Lawyer, the Lawyer deems it necessary to terminate the representation;

1.5.            The Lawyer and the Client have a disagreement over what legal matters the Lawyer is supposed to be handling for the Client.

Miscellaneous Terms. 

1.1.            Each provision of this agreement is severable. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase or term of this agreement shall not affect or impair the validity or enforceability of any other provision, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase or term of this agreement.

1.2.            By signing below, the Client indicates an understanding that the Lawyer has not made an agreement with Client or promises to Client about the outcome or result of Client’s legal matters. Also, Client agrees to notify the Lawyer immediately in writing if Client feels or believes any matter is not receiving proper attention or is otherwise not being properly handled or Client suspects any misunderstanding about what the Lawyer is to do for Client.

1.3.            By signing below, Client agrees that this Agreement has been thoroughly reviewed by Client before being signed by Client, or that Client has had ample opportunity to review this Agreement and have it fully explained.

1.4.            If Client fails to pay the amounts due to the Lawyer under this Agreement, Client agrees to pay all reasonable legal fees and other expenses incurred by the Lawyer in collecting the amounts due.

Communication.  I encourage you to ask any questions you have about my charges or services. I promise to provide prompt, accurate answers. Please inform me of any complaints about any bill immediately after it is sent to you.

Please indicate your agreement by submitting the acceptance form below