Your Choice

We are offering our non-Collaborative clients the option to choose either paying hourly fees for our services or fixed fees which are determined individually for each case after consultation with our client. With either approach, the services are spelled out in a written agreement.  We have not yet figured out how to appropriately calculate a fixed fee for Collaborative work.  Please ask us about it if you are interested in a fixed fee.  After meeting with you, we will need a short time to determine the fee and will then notify you of the amount and terms.  You can decide if you want to use that fixed fee or if you want to go with an hourly rate.

Hourly Fees

Under the hourly fee system, our clients maintain a specified level of retainer which we bill against until the matter is completed. Monthly statements are sent out specifying the work done and hours expended. Notices for additional retainer deposits are sent out as needed.

Currently, the hourly rate is $350.00.  Our written fee agreement spells out in detail how the hourly rate works.  We charge a retainer and bill against that.  As we deplete the retainer, we send a monthly statement and will notify you when we need additional payments.

Fixed Fees

The fixed fee or flat fee requires a payment in advance for agreed upon and specified services. Sometimes, it is the complete fee in advance, and sometimes we break it down into stages with payment in advance in full for each stage.  We have a different fee agreement explaining what is covered and what is not covered by fixed fees.  If new and additional services are requested or become necessary, a “change order” is prepared specifying the additional fixed fee and the new services to be performed.

Also, a fixed fee could end up higher or lower than the hourly fee. The fixed fee is based on the services to be rendered, their complexity, and the value of the services to the client. Once set, fixed fees do not increase. Additional fees are charged only to pay for services not included in the original agreement.

Please Note:  Fixed fees are not low fees.  They are substantial because they cover all the expected or potential actions in a case.  Fixed fees are not  inexpensive, so don't ask for a fixed fee to get a cut rate -- you will be shocked by the cost.  The big advantage of fixed fees is predictability, and even so, the fee may be changed if circumstances change.

What Should You Do?

If you are interested, we will discuss both options with you and let you choose the plan you prefer. Payments may be made by cash, check or credit card.