How Fees Work
If you have spent years in a relationship where the financial rules kept changing, the last thing you need is an attorney whose bills are unpredictable too.
You should never be afraid to ask a question.
Most divorce attorneys bill by the hour. Every phone call, every email, every question adds to your bill. You never know what your case will cost until it is over. That system rewards silence. It trains you not to reach out when you need help.
I do it differently. I use flat fees. Your matter is divided into stages, and each stage has a set fee that you agree to in advance. You know what each step costs before we take it. And you can call me, text me, email me, and ask questions without worrying about the bill.
No one should have to do math before deciding whether to ask their attorney a question.
Four stages. You only pay for what you need.
Not every case goes through all four stages. Many cases reach a negotiated agreement before depositions or trial. You only pay for stages you actually reach.
Specific fees for each stage are discussed during your strategy session and spelled out in your retainer agreement before you sign anything. No surprises.
If your case settles early, you are not paying for stages you never reach.
If your case reaches a negotiated agreement during Stage 1, you pay the Stage 1 fee and nothing more. If it settles during a later stage and the full stage fee was not used, you may receive a refund for the difference. The details are in your retainer agreement, and I will walk you through them.
If you ever need to change attorneys, you can end our relationship at any time. You only pay for time actually spent on your case, and whatever you overpaid is returned to you.
What is included?
Legal advice, strategy, all communication with me, negotiation, document preparation, court appearances, and discovery through the applicable stage. Preparation of the final agreement and Judgment of Divorce is also included.
Out-of-pocket costs like filing fees, process servers, and transcripts are billed separately. Expert fees are separate and always approved by you in advance. Nothing is charged without your knowledge.
Questions I hear most often
Can I really call and email without extra charges?
Yes. Communication with me is included in every stage. You should never feel like reaching out is going to cost you money. That is the whole point.
When do I find out the specific fees?
During your strategy session. Once I understand your situation, I can tell you exactly what each stage will cost. Everything is in writing before you sign anything.
What if my spouse drags this out?
The staged structure is designed for that. You are never locked into the full cost of a four-stage case from the beginning. If your spouse escalates and the case moves to a new stage, I tell you in writing before any additional payment is due. You always know where you stand.
How is this different from an hourly retainer?
With hourly billing, your attorney has a financial incentive to take longer. With flat fees, my incentive is to work efficiently and resolve your case as smartly as possible. We are on the same side of the table.
The first step is a free 15-minute call.
No commitment. No pressure. Just a conversation.