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Dallas, Texas

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Corliss Wren Family law · Dallas
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FeesNo. 07

Fees, in examples.

These are example figures for a fictional Dallas boutique, not quotes. After your strategy consultation you receive a written estimate for your matter, with the assumptions behind it.

First

Introduction call

No charge

15-minute introduction call, no charge (conflict check and fit only).

Then

Strategy consultation

$650

90-minute strategy consultation with an attorney, credited to your retainer if you engage us.

Hourly ranges No. 02

By the hour

Partners $575 to $750
Senior associate $395 to $450
Associates $295 to $350
Financial analyst $195
Paralegals $150 to $175

Billed in tenths of an hour. Routine scheduling and our own internal questions are not billed.

Example retainers and flat fees No. 03

By the matter

Contested complex-asset divorceInitial retainer, replenished as work continues $35,000 to $75,000
Mediated or collaborative divorceInitial retainer $15,000 to $30,000
Prenuptial agreement, drafting and negotiatingFlat fee $6,500 to $15,000
Prenuptial agreement, reviewing a draftFlat fee $3,500 to $7,500
Postnuptial or partition agreementFlat fee $8,500 to $18,000
Spousal support modificationInitial retainer $10,000 to $20,000

A retainer is a deposit held in our trust account and billed against monthly. Anything unused at the end of the matter is refunded.

Outside costs No. 04

Experts and mediators

Billed by the professionals themselves, not marked up by us. We recommend one only when the likely benefit clearly exceeds the cost.

Business valuation expert $12,000 to $60,000+
Forensic accountant $10,000 to $60,000+
Real estate appraisal $750 to $3,500 per property
Mediator (shared by both sides) $3,000 to $8,000 per day

What drives cost No. 05

Four things decide most of the bill.

  1. 01

    How far apart you are

    The single biggest factor. Two people who agree on most things spend a fraction of what two people who agree on nothing spend.

  2. 02

    How much is withheld

    Discovery fights, subpoenas and forensic work cost real money. Full, early disclosure on both sides is the best way to keep fees down.

  3. 03

    What needs an expert

    A company or a large equity grant may need a valuation. A brokerage account usually does not.

  4. 04

    Which road you take

    Mediation and collaborative processes usually cost less than litigation. A collaborative process that breaks down can cost more.

Texas courts can sometimes order one spouse to contribute to the other's fees, especially when one spouse controls the money. It is never guaranteed, so we plan as though you will pay your own. Rules on fee awards differ by state. Read more in the FAQ.

Get a written estimate

After the strategy consultation, we send a written estimate for your matter: the road we recommend, the experts we expect to need, and the assumptions behind the numbers.

Or call the office

(214) 555-0163

We never leave a detailed voicemail unless you tell us it is safe.

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