The era of lawyers’ monopoly is at risk: highly specialized divorce la

I couldn't ignore this news, as I support it so much

The era of lawyers’ monopoly is at risk: highly specialized divorce lawyers are entering the scene.

For many years in Canada, everything related to divorce was a closed club for lawyers. Get a law degree, pass the exam, and welcome to a world where you can do everything from criminal law to corporate law, including the divorce. The cost of services? As they say, "prepare to bleed."

But times are changing. Saskatchewan has officially allowed non-lawyers to practice in divorce proceedings. The new limited license model creates a fresh, clearly defined class of specialists: not "know-it-alls," but highly trained consultants in divorce and family law.

What did Saskatchewan do?

Amendments to the Legal Profession Act allowed the Law Society to issue limited licenses to those who have a specialized education or certification in the required field and are willing to study annually, maintain ethical standards, and work strictly within the scope of their approved competence.

Now such specialists can formally process divorces by consent, separation agreements, prepare wills, probate cases, handle small claims, and even some corporate matters.

Prices are significantly lower, consultations are up to par, and when a client needs a real professional, they can come to a lawyer following a referral from a consultant.

Why does this seem like a revolution?

This is a dismantling of the old paradigm, where every lawyer who graduated from university considered themselves an expert in everything. In reality, it's often superficial and expensive everywhere. It's not a secret, for example, that newly licensed lawyers hire immigration lawyers to teach them how to "get it."

Ontario long ago introduced paralegals, who have outcompeted lawyers in the simple dispute market.
Quebec has been working with notaries in family and property matters for centuries.
Immigration has already demonstrated how RCIC consultants have displaced lawyers in everyday cases, diluting the immigration lawyer market.

Consultants have occupied a niche with lower prices and HIGHER knowledge, retaining the right to practice in virtually all instances except the Federal Court. For clients, this meant that only a few cases reach the federal appeals court, meaning a consultant covers 90% of the actual needs.

Now it's divorce law's turn. Saskatchewan is openly "diluting" the legal market, giving people choice and lowering costs.

Why this is good for clients (and bad for a monopoly)

1. Narrow specialization

Divorce specialists are trained in divorce. Not taxes, not criminal law, not patents. Clear and to the point.

2. Affordable prices

You don't have to go broke for a standard divorce.

3. Transparent rules

Non-lawyers are regulated by the same Law Society and are required to maintain ethics and undergo annual training. They are not "charlatans with a business card."

4. Relieving court congestion

More mediated, amicable divorces, less congested courts. And the complex cases are resolved much faster as well.

Global trend: the end of the "know-it-all" legal profession

A lawyer is a wonderful profession, but just like a doctor, they cannot be multidisciplinary just by obtaining a license! The reality is that the specialization of the legal profession is not specified upon graduation, meaning that the "expertise in everything" is pre-approved. This "expertise in everything" approach is unsustainable in the modern marketplace and the complexity of the profession.

The legal world is entering an era of focused expertise. A "full legal package" is becoming like a buffet: it seems to have everything, but in reality, you're paying for what you don't use.

Immigration has already gone down this path: RCICs have forced lawyers out of 90% of their practice, leaving them with a narrow corridor to federal court. Now divorces are following the same path.

Saskatchewan is setting an example: instead of expensive generalist lawyers, they have strong specialists in a narrow field. This is a win for clients. It's a shakeup for the market but a wake-up call for the legal monopoly.

Oleksandra Melnykova, Canadian Immigration and Refugee Consultant.

The era of lawyers’ monopoly is at risk: highly specialized divorce lawyers are entering the scene.

Want to work in construction in Alberta? Read carefully: even with an open work permit, you can still be denied a permanent residence!