Transparent, Fair, and Efficient Representation
Fees
There is no average cost for a divorce, as every situation is unique. After a consultation, Stephen can provide a retainer quote tailored to a client’s specific needs. He also offers unbundled or limited-scope legal services to help manage and reduce divorce-related costs.
When both parties are committed to resolving matters amicably, attorney fees and overall expenses are often significantly lower. While litigation can be costly—both financially and emotionally—Stephen works closely with his clients to focus on what truly matters and to pursue resolutions as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Retainer and Billing
During a consultation, clients can expect to receive informed legal guidance and a clear plan for how to move forward with their case. While some law offices offer a free 20-minute consultation, Stephen’s experience has shown that this amount of time is rarely sufficient to provide meaningful insight. A full hour is typically needed to ask and answer the necessary questions to develop a solid understanding of a client’s situation. As with any initial consultation, these impressions are preliminary.
When working with Stephen, a retainer is required up front and is deposited into a lawyer trust account. Clients receive an itemized billing statement once per month that details the work performed during that period, and the amount owed is withdrawn from the trust account. A minimum retainer balance must be maintained in all cases, with the specific amount determined during the office consultation. Any unused portion of the retainer is refunded to the client once the file is closed.
Ways to Save Money
There are practical ways clients can help reduce legal costs. Responding promptly and as accurately as possible to Stephen’s requests for information is one of the most effective ways to keep fees down. Accurate and timely information is essential for proper representation both in and out of court, and repeated requests or extended deadlines can increase overall costs. Stephen also does not recommend that clients complete their own legal paperwork, as documents often need to be reviewed, revised, and reviewed again—an approach that can ultimately result in higher expenses.
One of the most effective ways to save both time and money is for clients to identify what is truly important in their case. Minor details can easily become distractions, but divorce and separation matters tend to move more smoothly when the focus remains on the issues that matter most. Stephen helps clients identify and prioritize these key areas so they can make informed decisions and work toward efficient resolutions.