05/25/2026
I charge $150.00 for initial consultations that can be over zoom or in person. These consultations usually last around an hour.
Consultations will address your substantive issues, procedure, timeframe, develop some strategy, and estimated overall costs. I will also go over an Hourly Fee Agreement in detail.
I charge a $1500.00 replenishing retainer, which means that as I use the retainer, you will refill the retainer...maintaining $1500.00 in the trust account. I refund anything at the conclusion that is not used. I equate this to keeping $1500.00 worth of gas in a car to go forward...We try to move fast or slow, depending on budget. Believe it or not, you have a great deal of control of the pace of the case. This retainer system allows clients to keep their finger on the pulse of costs at all times and exercise control over the costs. While we can't control everything, we can control a lot. Don't worry if you do not understand this retainer. We will go over it in detail at the consultation.
My billable rate is $275.00 per hour, and I bill in 10ths of an hour. This means that an hour is divided into 10 parts (like ten slices of a pie) and you get billed for whatever slice of the pie you take. Some attorneys bill in 1/4ths. This means there are only 4 slices of pie, and each costs 15 minutes of time (no matter how small of a bite you take). An attorney that divides time into 10ths (meaning 10 slices of pie, each being 6 minute increments) ends up with billing that more closely matches the size of the bite you take!
If you retain my services, we will execute an Hourly Fee Agreement that is very detailed and explains everything between you and me.
To pay, you can use multiple methods that are remote (cash and checks also).
Some of the biggest complaints that I hear from potential clients are that my attorney does not explain things to me, my attorney does not return my calls, and I don't understand how my money was spent...I feel like I spent $5000.00, and I have accomplished nothing.
I do my best to return calls in 24 business hours, and you get to talk directly to me. You get access to me, not staff. We will take the time to make sure you understand everything so that you feel empowered to make decisions that are in your own best interests. I will not refrain from telling you exactly what I would do if I were in your shoes. For every task that is billed, you are directly involved. There are no surprises with costs.
I have a very small firm, and I like it that way. I like you and I being in control of everything, including costs.
While I do not try to force anyone to go to trial, I certainly have no problem with litigation or trial. Almost all cases settle eventually on terms that are agreed; however, retain an attorney who presents in the courtroom at least once per week. If I don't see an attorney in the courthouse regularly, I know that attorney will force settlement upon a client to avoid the attorney's discomfort in conducting a trial. Know that if trial is what we need to resolve your differences, I will not shirk at going to trial. A good divorce and family law attorney better be prepared to go to trial.
Finally, while what we do together may be unpleasant, we can make it comfortable and empowering. I believe that in even the darkest, hardest litigation, I should able to make the person who is paying me feel comfortable and informed.
My business hours are between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday. Leave a message on my voicemail, and I will return your call. If you do not receive a return call in 24 business hours, text me and I will certainly call with an apology.
