MyCase

No. All consultation fees are non-refundable.

A consultation reserves attorney time, preparation, and legal analysis specific to your situation. Once a consultation is booked and conducted, the fee is earned regardless of whether you choose to retain the firm. This policy is clearly disclosed at the time of booking and applies to all consultations without exception.

Consultations are not sales calls. They involve:

• Reviewing facts specific to your case
• Providing legal analysis and guidance
• Answering case-specific questions
• Identifying potential legal strategies and risks

Attorney time is billable time, and consultations are treated as professional legal services.

If a chargeback or payment dispute is initiated, our firm will respond.

This response may include submitting documentation such as:

• Signed fee or consultation agreements
• Booking confirmations and payment authorizations
• Time records, invoices, or billing statements
• Communications related to the consultation or representation

While attorneys are bound by confidentiality, a fee dispute or chargeback may require us to disclose limited information necessary to defend the charge, as permitted by ethical rules and applicable law.

Initiating a billing dispute or chargeback may result in a limited waiver of confidentiality to the extent necessary for the firm to respond and protect its interests.

We disclose only what is reasonably required and do not share unnecessary or unrelated information.

Family law matters are typically billed on an hourly basis after a retainer is paid. Billing may include, but is not limited to:

• Legal drafting and document preparation
• Court filings and revisions
• Client communications (emails, phone calls, meetings)
• Communications with opposing counsel
• Court appearances and preparation

Time is billed based on the actual work performed.

A retainer is not a flat fee and does not represent the total cost of a case.

Legal fees may increase based on factors such as:

• Whether a matter becomes contested
• Delays caused by the opposing party
• Requests for revisions or additional filings
• Court scheduling and procedural requirements
• Increased communications or litigation activity

Every case is different, and total fees depend on the nature and progression of the matter.

A case is considered contested when parties do not agree on key issues such as:

• Property division
• Custody or parenting time
• Child support or alimony
• Terms of a divorce or settlement

Contested cases generally require more attorney time and involvement than uncontested matters.

Attorney billing reflects time spent working on your case, including:

• Reviewing and responding to emails
• Drafting, revising, or correcting pleadings
• Addressing changes requested by the client, court, or opposing counsel

Even brief tasks require professional review and legal responsibility.

Hiring an attorney is a professional relationship that requires:

• Honest communication
• Realistic expectations about outcomes and costs
• That you may not agree with the legal advice that the attorney gives, but you may decide to agree to a settlement, which is a compromise of disputed issues.  If you do not want to settle, then you can move forward with taking your case to trial.
• An understanding that litigation can be unpredictable
• Acknowledgment that attorney fees are based on time and effort, not guaranteed results

Our firm is committed to transparency, professionalism, and diligent representation, but no attorney can control the actions of the opposing party or the court.

We encourage all clients to:

• Carefully review and ask questions about the fee agreement before signing
• Monitor invoices regularly
• Raise billing questions promptly
• Communicate openly about concerns early

Clear communication benefits everyone.

Online reviews reflect individual perspectives and experiences. Due to attorney-client confidentiality, law firms are limited in what they can publicly disclose in response to reviews, even when important context cannot be shared.

We encourage prospective clients to schedule a consultation, review our policies, and ask questions directly before retaining counsel.

The client always makes the final decision on whether to accept a settlement or proceed to trial.

Our role as attorneys is to:

• Explain legal options and potential outcomes
• Advise on risks, costs, and strategy
• Negotiate on your behalf when authorized

We cannot force a settlement, and we cannot refuse to proceed to trial if a client instructs us otherwise, provided the request is lawful and ethical. Litigation decisions ultimately rest with the client.

No. Attorneys do not have authority to settle a case, agree to terms, or waive rights without a client’s express consent.

Clients are responsible for:

• Reviewing proposed settlement terms
• Asking questions when clarification is needed
• Making informed decisions after receiving legal advice

When a case becomes contested, it typically requires:

• Additional court filings and revisions
• Increased communication with opposing counsel
• Court appearances and preparation
• More attorney time overall

Contested matters generally result in higher legal fees than uncontested cases. Clients should consider both legal and financial implications when deciding whether to settle or litigate.

No. Attorneys cannot control:

• Court schedules or judicial decisions
• Opposing counsel’s behavior
• The opposing party’s cooperation or lack thereof

Delays and increased costs can occur due to factors outside the firm’s control.

Clients can help manage costs by:

• Responding promptly to requests
• Reviewing written communications carefully
• Avoiding repeated questions already addressed in writing
• Consolidating questions into a single email when possible
• Being tech savvy or knowledgeable of how to download and share documents and familiarize themselves with the legal practice management software

Clear, efficient communication reduces the time required to address issues.

Yes. Being able to access, review, and communicate electronically can significantly reduce legal costs.

Our firm primarily communicates through:

• Email
• Secure client portals
• Electronic document review and signatures

Clients who:

• Regularly check email
• Can download, review, and sign documents electronically
• Are comfortable using a computer or smartphone

often incur fewer billable hours than clients who require repeated explanations or paper-based processes.

Clients are encouraged to ask questions. However:

• Legal concepts may need to be explained more than once
• Additional explanations, meetings, or calls require attorney time and may be billable

We strive to explain matters clearly and in writing whenever possible.

Yes. Attorney time is billed for:

• Phone calls and attempted calls
• Emails and follow-up communications
• Reviewing and responding to questions
• Explaining legal concepts and procedures

Time spent communicating is part of legal representation.

Written communication:

• Creates clarity
• Reduces misunderstandings
• Provides accurate records
• Helps clients revisit explanations at their own pace

It also allows clients to reduce costs by reviewing information without scheduling additional calls.

Clients are expected to:

• Read communications carefully
• Ask questions when clarification is needed
• Provide timely and accurate information
• Stay engaged in decision-making

Attorney-client representation is a collaborative process.

No. Legal representation involves advice, advocacy, and diligence — not guaranteed outcomes. Even well-handled cases can result in outcomes a client finds disappointing due to circumstances beyond the attorney’s control.