Karin Quirk
Types of Fee Structures
Comprehensive Flat Fee
Many clients prefer a comprehensive flat fee structure as it is predictable and helps them know exactly what their costs will be. The flat fee will cover all facets of the divorce process from start to finish. The flat fee will vary according to the complexity of the case, the number of issues whether their are children and if there is real estate property. Flat fees are payable in advance before work begins.
Fee for Service
If the exact scope of the service can be determined and it is a limited scope or representation such as appearance at a hearing, for example, a specific fee can be set
Hourly Rate
Certain cases are unpredictable and it is impossible to set a flat fee. These will be billed at an hourly rate. The current hourly rate is $300 an hour. An advance deposit is generally required. Any unused portion will be refunded.
“Legal Coaching”
Legal coaching involves consultation rather than representation. A client may wish to review legal documents, discuss options or just generally become informed. Legal coaching is offered at $300 per session. Sessions run from 1 to 2 hours and the client may have an unlimited number of sessions.
Consultation
An initial consultation often consists of legal coaching and can be very useful for a client to make decisions as to strategy. An initial consultation is $300. The client is under no further obligation and an attorney-client relationship is not established. If client proceeds with the engagement, the fee will be applied to a flat fee, if applicable.
Document Preparation
Arrangements can be made to merely prepare legal documents without representation. In some instances, these documents can be prepared by a paralegal at the paralegal rate.
Court Costs
Court costs and fees are not included in the flat fee and are the responsibility of the client. Currently the filing fee for a new divorce case is $280 and a convenience fee of $1.80 is charged by King County for electronic filing. Real Estate transfers may involve a recording fee. Occasionally a fee will be necessary for a process server but this is rare in cooperative cases.