Fees

Fee Structure

Our legal work is billed on an hourly basis and supported by retainers that allow matters to proceed without interruption. Our legal fees vary depending on the level of conflict and complexity of the matter. Conflict reflects the extent to which the parties are able to cooperate in addressing issues as they arise, while complexity reflects the number of legal issues that must be addressed within the same matter. As either increases, more legal work is required (and the related legal fees) to manage the matter and move it toward resolution.

Hourly Rates

Current hourly rates start at $565 for partners, $430 for associates, and $295 for law clerks. Legal work is billed according to roles and responsibilities, and the time is recorded to the nearest minute to reflect actual time spent.

Retainers

Standard retainers start at $3,000 and may increase depending on scope. A retainer is required before work begins, then applied against future legal fees (and third-party disbursements) as work is completed. Retainers may need to be replenished as a matter progresses to allow work to continue without interruption.

Disbursements

Disbursements are third-party expenses incurred during the course of a matter, such as court fees, expert fees, transcripts, external records etc. These fees can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on legal needs.

Legal Consultations

The initial consultation is a flat fee of $150 and the meeting includes 30 minutes with an associate and/or a partner where appropriate. The fee is credited towards future legal services after the firm is retained for the matter.

Billing Practices

We place a strong emphasis on transparent billing practices to foster trust with our clients. Invoices are issued monthly and are fully itemized, with time recorded to reflect actual work performed. We do not use block billing or rounding conventions that inflate recorded time, and we work with budget estimates as matters progress toward resolution.

Average Costs

Legal fees in family law can be difficult to predict because matters often evolve as new information emerges and circumstances change. In general, matters involving lower levels of conflict and complexity may resolve with legal fees in the range of $3,000 to $10,000. Matters involving higher levels of conflict and/or greater complexity can fall in the range of $10,000 to $50,000. Highly contested and/or complex matters can exceed $50,000 (and extend beyond $100,000 in the case of trials).

Litigation Loans

Interim funding arrangements may be available through our specialized lenders. This option may be appropriate for clients who are entitled to funds that are not yet accessible.

Our Role

Our role is to provide legal advice and representation that is proportionate to the level of conflict and complexity in the overall family law matter. Guided by our law firm’s five-step approach, we can develop and implement a legal strategy that remains responsive to changing circumstances, ensuring the matter continues to progress efficiently toward resolution.