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Divorce Fees and Costs
FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION
We give a FREE initial consultation with a lawyer specializing in family law for up to one hour, if you go on to retain the firm for your matter following that initial consultation. If you decide not to retain us following that first hour’s consultation, that hour and subsequent time spent will be charged at our normal hourly rates.
INITIAL ASSESSMENT OF YOUR CASE
No two cases are alike and so no two fees will be the same. We will do our best after consulting with you initially to estimate the time your case might take and how much it might ultimately cost, but the cost and time can never be predicted with scientific accuracy. There are sometimes unanticipated variables. We will make an honest effort to help you determine and anticipate the costs involved.
WRITTEN FEE AGREEMENT
We enter into a written fee agreement with all our clients. It is important that you read it and understand it. If you have any questions, we are happy to discuss them in detail with you. You will receive a copy of the agreement, or a duplicate original, at the time the agreement is signed. If you need an additional copy, please let us know. A written agreement avoids surprises. We like to promptly resolve any billing concerns. Please call our office right away if you have questions regarding your bill.
OUR HOURLY RATES
Our hourly rates are very competitive with those of other reputable family law attorneys in our area. Once we begin representing you, we charge hourly rates that vary according to the personnel involved.
BILLING AGAINST RETAINER
At the beginning of representation, we require an initial retainer, which usually ranges between $5,000 to $20,000, depending on our estimate of the complexity of your matter. We put your retainer in a trust account in your name. We then bill against that retainer for our time and costs as they are incurred. If the retainer is used up, we require another retainer deposit before proceeding with the case. If the matter is completed before the retainer is used up, we promptly refund the balance of the retainer to you. Of course, the written fee agreement explains this and we also discuss it in detail with you prior to the initial representation.
COSTS
There are a number of costs associated with any legal matter—court filing fees, photocopying the often-voluminous documents, service of process fees, mileage for travel, and other related costs that we discuss with you in advance if they become necessary for your case.
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