What is a Fixed Fee in a Divorce?
A fixed fee in a divorce (or dissolution) is a fee paid to an attorney that covers all services listed in the agreement.
Many family law attorneys require a retainer up front, bill hourly, and get paid from the retainer balance. If the retainer balance is used, they require you to make another retainer deposit or to pay the bills on a monthly basis.
With a fixed fee arrangement, you do not make additional fee payments unless the matter changes significantly (from a dissolution to a divorce, for example).
The benefits of a fixed fee:
You know what your legal fees will be.
You can contact me without worrying about the “meter running.”
You can make informed cost/benefit decisions, because you know what the cost will be if you reach an agreement or if your case proceeds to litigation.
You feel comfortable providing all of the information I need to represent you.
The amount of the fixed fee depends on the facts of your case. The fee is lower for a dissolution than for a divorce. Whether there are minor children, substantial assets, or a business are some of the factors that affect the amount of a fixed fee. Once we discuss those things, you will have a clear idea of what your legal fees will be.
I still offer hourly fees. I understand that some clients are more comfortable with the hourly arrangement because it’s what many family law attorneys use. Once I have some basic information about your case, I can let you know what the retainer would be and how fees and costs will be billed and deducted from the retainer.