Lawyers usually charge an hourly rate and are retained for the whole case. Similarly, mediators generally charge by the hour. But I offer two ways to pay: hourly or, because I believe you don't always need a lawyer or mediator, a flat fee where you hire me for a specific task only, like reviewing a separation agreement or helping you prepare for court. 

the initial consult

Attorney Consult: Here's your chance to talk to a lawyer and to begin to learn how the law applies to your situation. We will discuss your legal options: Is collaborative law, for example, right for you? What about trying mediation?  I'll also talk about what's involved in going to court.

Once we've discussed the options and strategies that might work best for your case, I'll talk to you about cost. Usually trying mediation or collaborative law is less expensive than having a trial.

My goal is for you to walk out from an intial consultation with a plan for moving things forward and a sense of how much that plan will cost.  

Mediation Consult: For a mediation consultation, I will outline the mediation process to both parties including confidentiality, voluntariness and the role of the mediator. I will explain the cost and explain next steps if settlement is reached. Often, both persons split the cost of a mediator, helping to make mediation one of the most affordable ways to resolve a legal dispute such as a divorce. 

fee option #1:
​hourly

An hourly rate reflects not just a lawyer's years of experience but how efficient and effective that lawyer is. Meeting with a lawyer and interviewing them about their experience and way they approach a case is a good way to begin to assess whether a lawyer's hourly rate is appropriate.   

During an initial consult I will explain how many hours a case such as yours might require in order to give you a ballpark  estimate or range. The ballpark will likely take into account the ideal scenario (when the case settles quickly) versus the worst case (when the case has to go to trial).

The next step is typically called a "retainer."  A retainer is usually both (1) money paid up front to a lawyer from which the lawyer pays themselves once they complete work and (2) a contract between a lawyer and a client about what the lawyer is going to do and the client's responsibilities.

fee option #2:
flat  rate

With a flat rate fee, you and I agree that I will complete a specific task for a fixed fee. This can be very helpful if you have a specific task you want me to do. (You might not know what the task is until we sit down and talk.) Here are some typical services and flat fees (costs may vary after initial consultation depending on your specific situation):
  • Document review: separation agreement $400
  • Document review: prenuptial agreement $400
  • Pro-se (self representation) coaching 
  • Prenuptial and cohabitation agreement drafting 
  • Separation Agreement drafting
  • Mediation (package of sessions)
  • Limited Assistance Representation (LAR) where we divide work between you and me. For example, you might retain me to draft and help you to file motion but not represent you at the hearing. This is also called "unbundled" legal services.
  • Adoptions
  • Court paperwork drafting for self-represented persons
  • Please call to discuss other services. 
Flat fees are a great way to know what you are heading into and to reduce the risk of escalating legal fees. 

questions

Figuring out what step to take next  ("Should I talk to a lawyer?" "Do I need a lawyer or a mediator?," "Should I file in court?" and "Can I afford a lawyer?") can be very stressful. And the process of resolving a family law dispute can be confusing and overwhelming. A free consultation is  an opportunity to ask questions and  to begin to learn about the options that are available to you. 

payment

We accept cash, money orders, checks , major credit cards (visa, MasterCard, etc) and barter for valuable vintage Morris automobiles. 
Call (413) 586-5989 for a free initial consultation.
DISCLAIMER: Nothing on this website is meant to be legal advice. If you are seeking legal advice, you should communicate directly with a lawyer. ​The material on this website is provided for informational purposes only.  The transmission of this information, and any response, does not constitute legal advice and does not create or imply an attorney-client or solicitor-client relationship. Readers should not act or rely on any information provided herein without consulting legal counsel (i.e. an attorney). Confidentiality is subject to rare, mandated exceptions.  
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