Pricing

Fees & Pricing

Estimating the cost of a divorce or family law matter can be a challenge. Hiring a divorce or family law attorney requires a non-refundable retainer fee to be paid at the inception of the case. In Law We Trust Divorce and Family Lawyers’s initial retainer fees range from $4,000.00 to $12,000.00, depending largely on the complexities of the case.

The factors the Firm considers for the retainer amount include, but are not limited to: (a) whether the matter is a paternity action or divorce, and if there is a relocation to be sought, (b) whether there are children involved; (c) the assets/liabilities involved; (d) the anticipated level of conflict; and (e) the County of jurisdiction. It can be nearly impossible to accurately predict how much work will go into the case before it’s over, but an in-office consultation allows us to assess and estimate costs for you before the work begins.

No litigation ends until both parties agree to settle all issues or until the judge rules after the trial. This is true whether your case is a divorce, custody, modification, or contempt, and so on. There is a wide spectrum as to when in the process a case will settle. You know more than anyone how reasonable the other party will likely be, and how likely she will engage in a cooperative and constructive manner. You will also likely have a sense of whether we should expect urgent issues requiring immediate and substantial work.  So many potential variables result in a wide range of potential cost.

Pricing Options

We’ve learned a lot about what it takes to resolve cases.  Some clients prefer to stick with the traditional model of paying a retainer and then working off it on an hourly basis, paying the same rate for all work done on the file.  Others prefer the certainty of flat fees, knowing they’ll pay a set amount and no more.  We realize hiring a lawyer is a big decision and expense.  We want you to be satisfied.  One important factor in your satisfaction is whether you feel you got a good deal.  So, read on and give meaningful thought to which fee structure makes the most sense for you.

Hourly Fee Pricing & Billing

This is the traditional way people hire lawyers and it may be the right fit for you. With this model, you start the representation by making an initial, non-refundable payment, called a “retainer,” when you sign your agreement hiring the firm. To determine your initial retainer payment, we estimate the work that will likely need to be done in the first few months of the representation. Some cases are easier to estimate than others.

Flat Fee for Full Divorce and Family Law Representation

There are many factors impacting the attorney time necessary on a divorce or family law case. We’ve handled enough cases to develop a flat fee pricing formula. No matter the issues in your case, we’re likely capable of formulating a flat fee for you to consider. The relevant factors in our calculation include, but are not limited to the case type, the contested and uncontested issues, whether the cases have already been filed and what additional events are necessary to get the case resolved, either by settlement or trial.

Costs and Expenses of Divorce and Family Law Cases

Regardless of whether you hire an attorney, it’s important that you consider the other costs associated with a divorce or other family law case. Most case types require that you pay a filing fee and cost of the summons to the clerk of court. Most cases also require personal service of process. The rest of your expenses will coincide with the discovery you do and the professionals you hire to assist with the case. If you take a deposition, for example, you’ll incur the court reporter’s fee. You’ll also incur charges for the deposition transcript, typically billed by the page. If you send a records request to a third party, such as a bank, that party will likely charge you for the work in compiling the records.

How Much Will My Case Cost?

This is undoubtedly the question you’re asking. To determine the answer, we need to know more about the case. To schedule a consultation, call our main office number at 813-415-3510 or complete the contact form on this page.