Introductory call (no charge)
The first step is a phone call of about 30 minutes, at no charge. Its purpose is simple: I get a sense of your situation, you get a sense of how I work, and we decide together whether we are a good fit. I will tell you what I think the next step should be, whether that is a full consultation with me or a referral elsewhere.
Consultation ($400)
If we decide to move forward, the next step is a consultation of about an hour, in person or by video, for a flat fee of $400. Before we meet, I will ask for a short summary of your situation and any court documents you have, and I will review them in advance. During the consultation I give you my candid assessment: what the issues are, what a realistic outcome looks like, what it will likely cost, and how I would approach it. You leave with a plan, whether or not you hire me. If you retain me, the $400 is credited against your first invoice.
Limited-scope and consulting representation
If you are handling your own case, or working with a mediator, and want an attorney in your corner without full representation, I offer limited-scope help: reviewing agreements before you sign, preparing you for a hearing or mediation session, drafting specific documents, or serving as your behind-the-scenes advisor. This is billed hourly, and the scope is set out in writing so there are no surprises.
Hiring a consulting attorney is a way to keep your legal fees and costs to a minimum, while at the same time learning how to navigate and conclude your family law case. As your consulting attorney, I can provide assistance to you in a variety of ways, such as reviewing legal documents, explaining legal procedures and options, helping you to negotiate a settlement, and providing legal opinions on any of your family law issues. While I would not represent you in court, I can help prepare you for court proceedings and provide valuable insights and strategies to achieve a positive outcome in court. My rate for being your consulting attorney is less than my rate to represent you.