Helen Banks, Freelance Lawyer
534 17 Avenue Southwest, Calgary, AB
534 17 Avenue Southwest, Calgary, AB
Freelance legal services assisting self-reps for a flat fee. Please note that I do not act as counsel of record for clients but rather assist from behind the scenes.
SERVICES OFFERED:
• Legal research in the areas of criminal, family, civil litigation and estate litigation;
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2 customer reviews
Anonymous
She was recommended as a behind the scenes help for self repping, and legal advice. She communicated well, however, when submitting retainer contract, and the retainer, email was wrong (contract was out of date) and she took days to accept the retainer (which she never actually did). Since I submitted my payment, I emailed (on a Saturday) in regards to advice on a heated situation between my ex and I and the kids. She did not respond. Not until Monday am with a reply of “what do you need to worry or panic about?”! I replied explaining and asking to start emerg parenting (we have nothing in place legally). No response so I emailed at 4pm asking for more clarification on her process. No reply. At 7pm I cancels the emt, within mins I got a nasty email that she has a life and doesn’t work wknds or evenings and she was closing my file! Rude! And zero google or info on her on the internet, first red flag! More...
Reply from Helen Banks, Freelance Lawyer
It’s unfortunate that you have chosen to misrepresent our interactions through your selective summary of the events. I hope everything turns out with regard to your case. Regards, Helen Banks
Helga
I retained Helen to represent me in a high conflict divorce. I really appreciated her guidance in how to deal with narcissism. She not only got me child support and spousal support by having an income of $150,000 imputed to my ex after he quit his job "due to the stress of the divorce" but she also got me a parenting order that restricts my narc's ability to play games with me. I wish I had started out with her as my counsel from the beginning but at least I ended up with her. More...
What do you love most about your job?
Like many people, the early days of the pandemic offered me the opportunity to slow down and reflect on the path that my life was taking. I realized that I was burned out and unhappy from maintaining a traditional law practice. As a result, I stopped taking new clients, reduced my business overhead significantly and moved to doing freelance work for other counsel. This has given me much better work/life balance and allowed me to find joy again in practicing law.
What inspired you to start your own business?
Self-employment gives me the flexibility to set my own hours.
Why should our clients choose you?
50% of family law litigants are self-represented. If you are one of them, I can assist you with the legal process.
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
All services offered remotely, via Zoom, Skype or some other video site.
Limited Scope Retainers
I can provide any limited scope services on family law issues, including drafting or proofreading affidavits and concise letters, conducting Questionings (private cross-examinations) and acting on your behalf at Domestic Specials.
Child Welfare
I have represented parents of apprehended children since 2013 and can give you advice on dealing with the child welfare system, as well as represent you at trials for temporary or permanent guardianship.
Services through Legal Aid Alberta
I accept Legal Aid certificates for all family and child welfare matters. You can determine whether you qualify here: www.legalaid.ab.ca/help/eligibility/Pages/default.aspx
Narcissism
I specialize in recognizing and acting against individuals with narcissistic personality disorder. If you need help leaving your narcissist, I can help you navigate the legal system without breaking the bank.
Contact Applications (for grandparents and other non-guardians)
I can help you determine if you meet the test to bring an application for contact.
Mobility Applications
I have successfully represented parties on both sides of mobility applications and trials.
Custody and Parenting Applications
I can assist you to obtain a parenting schedule that is in your child(ren)'s best interests.
Division of Matrimonial Property and Debt
Decisions about the sale of the matrimonial home and who services the debt need to be made quickly after separation so that parties don’t end up in bankruptcy.
Spousal / Partner Support
I can determine whether you have a claim for contractual, compensatory or non-compensatory (needs based) support and assist with a court application to obtain support.
Child Support Applications
Child support is due by the non-resident parent commencing the first day of the first month after separation. If the access parent is not paying support, s/he is accruing arrears. I can assist you with making an application for child support or to vary child support in either Provincial Court or the Court of Queen's Bench.
Divorce and related issues
I can assist with all divorce-related issues (custody, child support, spousal support, division of assets and debt and finalizing the divorce).
