Written By: Rachel Sekine-Tenny

“How much does it cost?”

When people need legal assistance for a divorce or other family law matter, they often want to know the price first. As the receptionist, I am often asked during the initial phone call, “How much does it cost to get a divorce?” or “I want to get custody of my child. How much will that cost me?” Unfortunately, most legal entanglements do not come with a price tag.

That depends.

Our firm uses a trust account, or a retainer fee, for accounting purposes. A predetermined amount of money is deposited into an account at the beginning of a case, funds are withdrawn as legal services are provided to the client, and the account is replenished as needed during the working time of the case.

We do not quote set prices, because of the human variables involved in family law; we cannot predict how anyone will behave while a case continues.

…but the end result is worth it.

The relationship being built with your attorney is one of trust and support. The price of the retainer may seem high at first, but domestic law is full of intricacies and danger. A lawyer who can navigate through it all for you is well worth the price.