Our Approach to Fees

Choosing a lawyer is not only about experience or outcomes. It is also about how the process feels while a legal matter is unfolding. Many legal matters — particularly those involving families or estates — come with a degree of uncertainty. Timelines shift. Issues evolve. Decisions by other parties or the court can affect both pace and cost. While no fee structure can eliminate uncertainty entirely, the way fees are structured can reduce unnecessary stress and create clearer expectations. That principle guides how our firm approaches fees.

Why Fee Structure Matters

Clients are accustomed to services with defined prices and predictable timelines. Legal matters rarely follow that model. Cases evolve. New issues arise. Circumstances change. When billing feels opaque or unpredictable, it can add strain to an already difficult situation. Our goal is not only to represent clients effectively, but to help them move through the legal process with clarity and realistic expectations.

Why We Use Flat Fees

We use flat-fee billing structures tailored to the scope and posture of each matter. We do so because flat fees allow clients to:

Understand the financial scope of representation upfront
Focus on strategy and decision-making rather than time tracking
Reduce anxiety about whether each question or conversation increases cost

Flat fees also allow our firm to focus on preparation, judgment, and outcomes rather than billing increments. The emphasis shifts from monitoring time to managing the matter thoughtfully and efficiently. Flat-fee representation algins incentives, expectations, and communication from the outset.

What Flat Fees Do — and Do Not — Cover

Flat fees are based on defined scope. They typically cover the legal work necessary to address a specific phase, objective, or posture of a matter. Flat fees generally do not cover:

Work outside the agreed scope
New or unrelated issues that arise after the engagement is defined
Appeals or separate legal matters unless specifically agreed upon

Clear scope protects both the client and the attorney. It ensures expectations are aligned and reduces the likelihood of surprises later in the process.

How Fee Conversations Work

We approach fee discussions directly and realistically. During an initial consultation, we discuss:

The nature of the legal issues involved
The anticipated scope and posture of the matter
What work is reasonably foreseeable at that stage

If we move forward together, the scope of representation and fee structure are clearly documented before work begins.

Our fee structure is designed to provide clarity, reduce unnecessary stress, and allow clients to focus on informed decision-making. If you have questions about fees or want to discuss whether flat-fee representation may be appropriate for your situation, we are happy to talk.

Related Reading: For clients navigating family law matters, cost uncertainty is a common concern. If you’re interested in a deeper look at why family law fees are often difficult to predict — and what actually drives cost over time — you may find this helpful: