Family Law
- Filing Fees: Currently, the filing fee is San Diego County is $196.00 for the Petitioner and $193.00 for the Respondent.
- Hourly Fees: Most family law attorney charge for services by the hour. These fees usually range from $125.00 to $325.00. However, don't be fooled. High hourly rates do not equate to greater competence. Interview your attorney to make sure your are comfortable with them and their views. Whether they like to litigate (increasing their fees and what you pay!) or if they are willing to attempt to settle your case with as little fees if possible.
- Costs: Cost are paid in addition to attorney fees and these costs can be for copies, faxes, experts, appraisals, service of process and couriers. It is difficult to assess the amount of costs incurred on a case as it is dependent on how complex the matter begins or becomes.
- Retainers: Most attorneys will request a retainer to take on your case. These funds are placed in an attorney's client business or trust account and the attorney either bills against these fees for their services or holds the retainer and bills you for services on a monthly basis. A retainer IS NOT a flat fee and additional fees are typically due in most family law cases. So BEWARE of low retainers. On average, retainers can start as low as $1,500 to $7,500, but can also be significantly larger depending on the case. When your retainer is at zero, many attorneys will request that you replenish your retainer account.
While is impossible for any attorney to tell you how much your case will cost, you can ask the attorney for SOME idea of what they think your total fees may be. Understand that if your case becomes litigious, few attorneys will be able to account for that up front, but as your case progresses an attorney should be able to update you as to how fees are being incurred. - Retainer Agreements: In California if an attorney is going to perform services expected to exceed $1,000 then the agreement must be in writing. Make sure you have an agreement from your attorney outlining both your responsibilities and obligations. Take the time to READ your retainer agreement to know what you are obligated to do and entitled to receive.
YELMAN and ASSOCIATES
3333 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 140, San Diego, CA 92108
Call Today Toll Free: 1-877-287-1377
