Our Fees

Initial Consultation

The initial consultation is an opportunity to share your issues and concerns and to learn about your legal rights and options. The initial consultation fee ranges from $300.00-$400.00 depending on which family law attorney you meet with, and generally lasts for about an hour depending on the specifics of your conversation with the attorney.

This is the time to share your particular situation, concerns, and questions with Elizabeth StephensonSarah HinkChris Hicks, Ashley Oldham, or Kelli McGonagle. Anything shared in the initial consultation is confidential. You must be open and honest about the facts and circumstances of your case, so that we can represent you effectively.

You don’t need to bring anything with you to the initial consultation unless there are prior court orders or agreements in place. You will be asked about certain financial matters, including your assets, debts, and income.

If you would like to make an appointment, please contact us today.

Legal Fees

No attorney has a crystal ball and can determine exactly how much the legal fees for your particular case will be, but most family law practices require an initial retainer to begin work on your case. Think of your initial retainer as having your own bank account at our firm. Your initial retainer is placed in our firm’s bank account and as your legal team completes work associated with your case, the time spent is billed to your account and deducted from the initial retainer. Just like when you purchase something on your debit card the amount of the purchase is deducted from your checking account. If your account is depleted and there is still work to be done, we’ll ask you to replenish your retainer – in other words make a “deposit” to your account. To the same extent, if your case concludes and all work for your mater is complete, any remaining funds may be returned to you. The actual cost of your case depends on many factors including, but not limited to, some of the following factors:

  • Will there be a court hearing(s) or trials for your case or will it settle out of court?
  • Do you have multiple issues to be addressed like child support and child custody?
  • Are the issues complex?
  • Will there be mediation and additional fees for the mediator?
  • How much time, document gathering/sharing, expert testimony, etc. is involved with preparation for your case?

During your initial consultation you have an opportunity to share the details of your particular situation, and based on that we will discuss fees and anticipated costs. If you decide that New Direction Family Law is a good fit for you and your family’s needs, we’ll prepare a fee agreement for your review and signature. Once we receive your “deposit” to your initial retainer account, we begin work on your case.

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