In a move that could revolutionize how couples approach prenuptial agreements, two British Columbia-based lawyers have launched a startup aimed at making these legal contracts more affordable and accessible. Amanda Baron and Aimee Schalles, both formerly of the prominent law firm Miller Thomson, co-founded Jointly Solutions Limited to address the growing demand for cost-effective solutions in family law.
The idea for Jointly emerged in response to several pressing market trends. With rising living costs and increasingly complex asset portfolios, more couples are seeking prenuptial agreements to protect their financial interests. However, traditional methods often come with hefty price tags, making them inaccessible to many. According to Schalles, a practicing family lawyer, traditional prenuptial agreements in Canada typically cost between $2,500 and $5,000 when both parties hire independent legal counsel. This financial barrier has led some couples to attempt DIY prenuptial agreements, which often result in incomplete or legally unsound documents.
Jointly’s platform offers a groundbreaking alternative. For $379 per couple, users gain access to a bundled package that includes an educational course and a questionnaire-based agreement builder. This represents a nearly 90% cost reduction compared to traditional methods. The platform’s legal review process is also more economical, as well-drafted agreements with complete financial disclosure require only one to one and a half billable hours from lawyers for explanation and certification.
One of the standout features of Jointly is its emphasis on accessibility. The educational component, written in plain English, ensures that users without a legal background can easily understand the process. This focus on clarity is particularly meaningful for Baron, whose own difficult divorce experience inspired her to co-found the company. By democratizing access to legal tools, Jointly aims to empower couples to make informed decisions about their financial futures.
While the platform currently focuses on prenuptial and cohabitation agreements, the co-founders have ambitious plans for expansion. They intend to offer the same streamlined, affordable service for separation agreements in the future. This innovation could mark a significant shift in how family law services are delivered in Canada, making legal protection more attainable for couples across the country.
Jointly’s innovative approach extends beyond cost reduction; it also streamlines the legal process, making it more efficient for both couples and legal professionals. The platform’s questionnaire-based system ensures that all necessary information is gathered upfront, reducing the need for multiple consultations. This streamlined process not only cuts down on costs but also saves time, making it more convenient for couples to create a legally sound agreement.
Amanda Baron’s personal experience played a pivotal role in shaping Jointly’s mission. Her difficult divorce highlighted the need for accessible legal tools that empower individuals without a legal background. This insight drove the creation of an educational component in plain English, ensuring clarity and understanding for all users. Baron’s experience underscores Jointly’s commitment to user-friendly design, making complex legal processes more approachable.
Looking ahead, Jointly is set to expand its services beyond prenuptial agreements. The co-founders plan to introduce separation agreements using the same affordable and streamlined approach. This expansion could significantly impact Canada’s legal landscape, making legal protection more accessible for a broader range of couples and potentially paving the way for other legal services to follow suit.
html
Conclusion
Jointly is revolutionizing the legal landscape by offering an innovative, cost-effective solution for couples seeking prenuptial agreements. By streamlining the legal process through its questionnaire-based system, Jointly not only reduces costs but also saves time, making it a convenient option for creating legally sound agreements. Amanda Baron’s personal experience underscores Jointly’s mission to provide accessible legal tools, ensuring clarity and understanding through user-friendly design. As Jointly expands its services to include separation agreements, it is poised to make a significant impact on Canada’s legal landscape, paving the way for more accessible legal protection for couples.
FAQ
- What is Jointly?
- Jointly is an innovative legal platform designed to simplify the process of creating prenuptial agreements. It offers a cost-effective and user-friendly solution for couples, streamlining the legal process through a questionnaire-based system.
- How does Jointly work?
- Jointly works by providing a questionnaire-based system that gathers all necessary information upfront. This approach reduces the need for multiple consultations, making the process more efficient and convenient for couples.
- What are the benefits of using Jointly?
- The benefits of using Jointly include cost reduction, time savings, and a more efficient legal process. It also provides educational resources in plain English, making complex legal concepts more accessible and understandable.
- How much does Jointly cost?
- Jointly is designed to be more affordable than traditional legal services. While specific pricing details may vary, the platform is committed to offering a cost-effective solution for legal agreements.
- What other services does Jointly plan to offer?
- Jointly plans to expand its services beyond prenuptial agreements to include separation agreements. This expansion aims to make legal protection more accessible for a broader range of couples.
- Is Jointly’s legal agreement legally valid?
- Yes, Jointly’s agreements are legally valid. The platform ensures that all agreements are legally sound and comply with relevant laws and regulations.
- Is Jointly suitable for all couples?
- Jointly is designed to be accessible to all couples, regardless of their legal background. The platform’s user-friendly design and plain English resources make it suitable for a wide range of users.
