The Law Offices of Dale K. Kleven

FLAT FEE BILLING:

I have found that one of the biggest and most common complaints a client has, is that litigation costs twice as much as they thought and takes twice as long. Nothing is more frustrating than giving an attorney $3,000.00 as a retainer, just to receive a bill from him one month later, which shows the retainer is gone and that the client owes an additional $1,000.00. At $200/hr to $300/hr, a retainer is quickly depleted.

I break down divorce and litigation cases into three phases: The Pleading Phase, The Discovery Phase, and The Trial Phase: 1) The Pleading Phase includes my time to draft the Summons, Complaint, Joint Preliminary Injunction, Motion for Temporary Orders, Reply to Opposition, Hearing on Motion, Mandatory Mediation, and Return from Mediation; 2) The Discovery Phase includes my time to draft and respond to Interrogatories, Requests for Admissions, Request for Production of Documents, and Depositions; and 3) The Trial Phase includes my time to prepare a Pre-Trial Memorandum, Trial Notebook, Subpoenas, Witness Preparation, and Trial.

Depending on the size of the Community and the complexity of the issues, I charge between $2,500.00 to $5,000.00 for each phase of the divorce. By billing this way, my clients know how much money the divorce will cost up front. They don't end up running out of money half way through the divorce and winding up without legal representation at the most crucial time of litigation. I also will take my fees out of the Community Estate if necessary.

Call me today to work out a payment schedule.