May I pay a lawyer a Flat Fee to represent me in my Divorce or Custody case?

A lawyer is permitted to negotiate any reasonable fee structure with a client in a divorce or custody case. The majority of lawyers charge a “Retainer” in order to commence representation in Florida Family law matter. The lawyer will set the retainer, which is the amount that the client pays to the lawyer upfront to assure the lawyer will be paid for their work, which is then deposited into a trust account and regulated by applicable rules and regulations.

Alternatives to Paying a Retainer

Another option for Clients is for a lawyer to charge a client a “Flat Fee” for representation in a divorce or other Family Law matter in Florida. An example of the typical Flat Fee representation occurs when the lawyer and client agree that the lawyer will draft all court documents for execution and filing by the client, with the understanding that the lawyer will not perform any other services such as going to court or mediation.  The performance of legal services for a Client that is based upon “Limited Representation” must be disclosed to the Court and indicated in the court documents.

OR, You and Your Spouse May Opt to Hire a Neutral Third Party Mediator

Perhaps, you and the other party agree that spending thousands and thousands of dollars to come to agreements is really not in your best interests.  You do have an option to hire a State of Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator to handle your case, draw up your required court documents and help you realize a calm, less expensive way to get your legal matter settled.  

For Clients who want to have an experienced lawyer prepare court documents and nothing else, it is a way for a client to save money and time having to figure out what needs to be done in order to initiate the case in Florida Family court.