We require a base retainer fee, the amount of which is based upon information gleaned during your initial consultation. We will bill against your retainer at the applicable hourly rate, as further explained in the retainer agreement that you will be asked to sign at the onset of our representation. The base retainer fee will be applied toward the time expended on your case.
Realizing that the payment of the initial retainer, and any additional fee required as your matter progresses, represents the expenditure of considerable funds, we encourage you to be certain of your desire to proceed. We also emphasize that the commencement of a status or post-judgment action should only be taken after careful consideration on your part.
In some circumstances, the court may direct your spouse or partner to pay a portion, or all, of your legal fees. Conversely, the court may direct you to pay the fees incurred by the other party. In either event, you remain primarily responsible for the payment of your fees to this firm. You will not receive credit for payments your partner or spouse is ordered to pay unless and until those payments are actually received by us. Of course, any payment we receive from the other party will be credited to your account promptly upon our receipt of same.
Money matters are never pleasant to discuss. Good policy nevertheless dictates a forthright discussion of the costs you can expect to incur at the beginning, prior to you retaining this firm. In our judgment, it is critically important that you understand the cost of our representation, the basis for our billing of fees and the time spent by our attorneys on your matter, and what you may expect once you retain us to represent you.
