Understanding Fees

Fristensky Law, PLLC takes the position that most people would like to know the fees for representation prior to consulting with an attorney. The fees shown here are subject to change based on the depth and complexity of the case. The fees are listed at the end of the page, but let us take a minute to discuss what goes into determining a fee.

First, we have noticed more and more people relying on ChatGPT and other Artificial Intelligence (AI) services to draft legal documents and guide representation, but this is a dangerous mistake. AI responses are rife with error, and it is not worth the money saved when it comes to the potential for violating local procedural practices or the Rules of Civil Procedure.

At Fristensky Law, we use AI to assist in minor tasks, so we know from personal experience that AI can provide misinformation. We have seen AI literally make up case law and fail to provide guidance regarding local practice. Mistakes can land you in the hotseat with judges or even facing monetary sanctions pursuant to Rule 11. Therefore, we ask that you consider what attorneys actually do when representing a client.

Here are some common duties:

  1. Legal Advice and Counseling: Providing clients with advice regarding their legal rights and potential case outcomes. And though most attorneys are not psychologists, we often have to provide light therapeutic counseling to get our clients through difficult phases in the case.

  2. Case Evaluation: Assessing the merits, strengths, and weaknesses of each case by reviewing evidence, applicable laws, and potential legal strategies.

  3. Drafting Documents: Preparing legal documents such as contracts, pleadings, motions, and other necessary paperwork.

  4. Research: Conducting legal research to support the client's case, including reviewing statutes, case law, and persuasive articles.

  5. Advocacy: Advocating on behalf of the client in courtrooms, at administrative hearings, or during settlement discussions. Sitting with client at important meetings with other professionals.

  6. Strategizing: Developing a legal strategy and plan to achieve the best possible outcome for the client.

  7. Communication: Keeping the client informed about the progress of each case, explaining critical processes, and discussing options.

  8. Discovery: Requesting answers to interrogatories, demanding documents, and subpoenaing records. Helping the client prepare their own discovery responses.

  9. Trial Binder: Creating an effective trial binder to ensure a comprehensive presentation at court.

  10. Negotiation: Engaging in negotiations and attending financial mediation to reach settlements.

  11. Compliance: Ensuring that the client complies with local procedures and deadlines, such as timely filing or scheduling hearings.

  12. Confidentiality: Maintaining the confidentiality of all client information and communications in accordance with ethical standards.

Additionally, when you hire an attorney, you are protected by his or her malpractice insurance.

Yes, the fees may seem high, but keep in mind that domestic lawsuits, such as custody, equitable distribution, and spousal support, can take up to a year to resolve, and sometimes longer. Law firms have costly overhead such as employee pay roll, rent, licensing fees, taxes, costs for continued legal education (CLEs), advertising, insurance, and various assistive legal services.

As a result, our fees are necessary to make certain the firm is adequately compensated for the months of emails, case work, calls and correspondence, pleadings practice, waiting in court, legal research, and document drafting, printing, and filing. You also support the local economy when you hire an attorney.

Now that you have an idea as to why representation can be costly, here are the fees:

  • Option 1: Payment Plan - $1,500.00 - $5,000.00 per claim depending on complexity.

    30% down to begin representation and 10% monthly until the balance is paid in full. After twelve months, a new fee agreement is required.

    For example, if you are filing a claim for child custody, the fee total fee might be $3,000.00. Fristensky Law will begin representation for the true retainer plus 30% down and 10% paid monthly toward the remaining balance. To complete the example, this would be $900.00 down (30% of $3,000.00) and $210.00 (10% of $2,100.00) per month until paid in full. This would cover you for 12 months of representation. If the case lasts longer than a year, we review how much work remains pending to resolve the claim, and we negotiate a new fee agreement.

  • Option 2: Billable Hours - $1,500.00 - $5,000.00 deposited into an IOLTA trust account.

    The attorney bills against the trust at $300.00 per hour. The balance is refunded at the end of representation. If the trust account balance is ever insufficient to support continued representation, the client deposits additional funds.

    This is the most accurate fee arrangement but can be costly if the case requires substantial attention.

  • Option 3: Subscription Model - $1,500.00 for the first month and $500.00 per month thereafter until all claims are resolved.

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Included with each option are all the common attorney duties described above plus one face-to-face, pretrial meeting before any critical court date, direct communication with the attorney, and representation at all phases of the claim.

Schedule a free consult when you are ready or if you have any questions about these fees, please contact Fristensky Law.


*fees quoted do not include separate fees and costs required by third parties for filing, service of process, publication, appraisals, depositions, mediation, or expert evaluations.