Contents

Client onboarding for family lawyers

Client onboarding for family lawyers

First impressions matter in family law

Clients are often distressed at intake. A disorganized "send me your tax returns" email reinforces anxiety. A clear checklist with named items and a simple upload path signals professionalism.

Recommended onboarding sequence

  1. Intake call — record notes; optionally use voice + AI summary in Hivi-X
  2. Retainer — execute engagement letter (outside Hivi-X scope)
  3. Share checklist — attach Rule 13 or matter-type template; email portal link
  4. Clerk monitoring — track missing items on the dashboard
  5. Review call — lawyer reviews approved package before swearing or drafting

Standardize across the firm

Solo practitioners and small firms benefit from one onboarding template every lawyer and clerk runs the same way.

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Answers are general operational information only — not legal, tax, regulatory, clinical, privacy, immigration, or professional advice. Requirements vary by matter, client, and regulator.

Frequently asked questions

What should happen in the first week of a family law retainer?
Retainer signed, intake call completed, disclosure checklist shared on the portal, and clerk assigned to track submissions.
How do unsophisticated clients handle a portal?
Mobile-friendly upload with clear item names beats email for most clients. Clients can use a secure guest link (no account needed) or my-id.ca; the share email includes the link.
Can clerks manage onboarding without lawyer involvement on every upload?
Yes. Co-agent/clerk access with approve/reject lets lawyers focus on substance after the clerk QC's the package.

Organize Rule 13 disclosure without the email chase

Hivi-X helps Ontario family law firms collect Rule 13 and intake documents with reusable checklists, the my-id.ca client portal, clerk approve/reject review, self-hosted AI summaries, and exportable disclosure PDF packages — alongside Clio or your practice management system.

Client Onboarding For Family Lawyers Ontario | hivi-x Docs