FAQ
questions - and answers. At least some of them.
A: It depends on the service. Some things cost more than others, because they take more time. Sometimes, it is impossible to guess at the start. That is why sometimes I bill per hour, sometimes I bill per event. My hourly rate is only $100. That represents quite a savings over many other attorneys, but then, I happen to want you to be MY client!
A: I bill a bankruptcy at a flat rate. They can take a lot of time, but you don't have a lot of money. You are still going to think it is too much, but I promise you, it is money spent that you will not regret later. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy is $1000 in attorney fees, $60 sales tax (sorry, we have to charge sales tax on all our services), and $299 in court filing fees. That is a total of $1359. I like to have that paid in advance, but in an emergency situation, where you are in danger of losing your home and a bankruptcy filing will halt the action, I will need the filing fee plus $300 ($599) to get started, and you will pay the rest as we go. And, yes, I just reduced my rates. After all, you need the bankruptcy, and are wondering HOW are you going to pay for it!
A: Office expenses, like the lease, utilities, internet service, and other stuff costs a lot of money. For me to take home a basic salary of $2000 per month, I need to bring in $4000. That is before I even hire a secretary to help. I can't bill for every hour in the day, if the work is there, I can bill only for about half. So, suppose I want to make $3000 per month. That is an income of $36,000 per year. I want to pay my secretary a living wage, so she makes $2,000. Add the $2000 for the office, and the cost of her employment benefits and I have to make over $7,500 per month. The problem is, I need $4500 per month take-home, because of my student loans (my law degree cost me $100,000! Crazy, huh?
A: I ask for a retainer of $1000. There are filing fees, mailing fees, and other costs as we go, and my base rate, if it turns out to be simple, is $800. Add the $48 sales tax, a $75 filing fee, and $6 in postage for the initial service (certified mail, etc) and I may refund $70 or so to you at the end. If your spouse is a fighter, we will run through my retainer fast, and I will need to bill you for more. Bear in mind, that if your spouse has an attorney, he is doing the same thing. Now, if you agree on the issues, we can sit down together, draft a document that covers everything, and if your spouse chooses not to see another attorney, maybe you can split the cost. I have had clients who do that, and while there is trauma that naturally comes with a divorce, it ends up as painless as possible, and over in just two months. If there is a fight, it starts to cost (a lot, sorry).
A: You tell me you can't come see me, can I come see you? Well, maybe I can do just that. It depends on my workload, and your availablity. If the two come together, then sure, why not? Got to get the crop in and just can't get away? I understand farming. I used to be a beekeeper, and know what caring for crops or animals entails. Physical handicap? Okay, we can sit down at your dining table and discuss your needs. Make your case to me for why I should come visit.
A: If I didn't, call me. Don't look up, here is my phone number and email again: