Fees
How each kind of case is charged
Flat for cases you agree on, by the hour for cases you don't. Your written fee agreement states your exact fee.
Uncontested divorce
A flat fee when you and your spouse agree on the main questions. I draft, file and finish the paperwork.
See divorce detailsCase review and a plan in writing
Every form drafted and filed
Settlement agreement drafted
Final judgment prepared for the judge
Parenting plan and support
A flat fee for a written schedule for the kids and a support figure both parents can live with.
See custody detailsWeekday, weekend and holiday schedule
Child support worksheet and figures
Travel, school and doctor decisions spelled out
Agreement ready to file
By the hour
For cases where the other side disagrees. You get a budget for each phase and a bill every month.
Talk it throughNegotiation and mediation
Court appearances and hearings
Itemized bill every month
A starting retainer, unused part returned
Protective order papers
A flat fee for the request, the supporting statement and the filing, prepared quickly and safely.
See protective ordersRequest and statement drafted with you
Filing with the court
A plan for the hearing
Never folded in
What isn't in the fee, and why
Court filing fees
The court charges them to open a case, and the court sets the amount. I'll give you the number for your court before you file.
Process server
Delivering papers to your spouse or the other parent usually costs a modest fee, paid to the server.
Experts
A custody evaluator, appraiser or accountant, if your case needs one. You approve the cost first.
A dispute in a flat-fee case
If an agreed case becomes contested, we move to by-the-hour billing. I tell you before we switch, and what to expect.
Questions about the bill
Why charge a flat fee?
Because an agreed case is predictable, and you shouldn't have to wonder what each phone call costs. When a case isn't predictable, I say so and bill by the hour.
What's a retainer?
An advance you pay at the start of an hourly case. I bill my time against it each month, and whatever is left when the case ends comes back to you.
Do you take cases for a share of what I get?
No. Family cases don't work that way. Fees are flat or by the hour, and your agreement says which.
What if I can't afford a lawyer?
Tell me. Payment schedules are possible, and your county's court may have a self-help center or free clinics. I'll point you to them if they fit better.
Want the number for your case?
Tell me what's going on and I'll send a written fee quote.