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Blast From The Past: What is a Divorce Retainer Fee Agreement and What is Its Purpose?

Blast from the past 13 years Ohio Family Law Blog

Divorce Retainer Fee Agreement

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: With the start of the New Year comes a large spike in divorce filings. 2023 is no exception! Clients often have questions about how divorce retainer agreements work. So, I thought it might be a good time to repost this blog from August 8, 2020. Like the cost of many things, the hourly rates and typical retainer amounts charged by divorce lawyers have risen since 2020, perhaps as much as 10+ percent. The other information in the blog is still right on point.

Divorce Lawyers Require A Retainer Fee On Start Of Your Legal Representation

So, unfortunately you find yourself meeting with a divorce lawyer to discuss terminating your marriage. The conference goes well and after careful consideration you decide to hire the lawyer.

HOW DO DIVORCE LAWYERS CHARGE?

Blast From The Past: What is a Divorce Retainer Fee Agreement and What is Its Purpose?

PUBLISHER’S UPDATE: Here is one of my favorite posts about the definition of a Divorce Retainer Fee Agreement and it’s purpose, from August 8, 2020! We have a ton of interesting articles in our archives of the Ohio Family Law Blog. Use our Search tool and enjoy a few oldie but goodies!

Divorce Retainer Fee Agreement

Divorce Lawyers Require A Retainer Fee On Start Of Your Legal Representation

So, unfortunately you find yourself meeting with a divorce lawyer to discuss terminating your marriage. The conference goes well and after careful consideration you decide to hire the lawyer.

HOW DO DIVORCE LAWYERS CHARGE?

When the subject of fees and the attorney’s hourly rate comes up, you will likely hear the request for a “retainer fee“. Most all divorce lawyers will require a retainer fee at the inception of accepting your legal representation. Some, on the other hand will instead request a fixed fee amount rather than one based upon the amount of time and services provided. Fixed fee divorce representation is rare these days, in part because it is impossible to really gauge the number of hours which will be required, contested issues, or the level of … Read More... “Blast From The Past: What is a Divorce Retainer Fee Agreement and What is Its Purpose?”

Blast From The Past: Are Divorce Lawyers Just “Love Undertakers”? [A Rebuttal]

Should Divorce Lawyers Engage In Mental Health?

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: This blog is as meaningful today as it was when we originally posted it on May 11, 2019! We have a ton of interesting articles in our archives of the Ohio Family Law Blog. Use our Search tool and enjoy a few oldie but goodies!

Divorce Lawyers Should Not Assist Clients With Mental Health Issues Says NYC Attorney

A well respected New York City divorce lawyer by the name of Val Kleyman recently sent out a newswire to divorce lawyers warning them “to be careful not to cross over into the role of personal therapist for clients. This is a common problem that does not get enough attention” Attorney Kleyman said. He added, “helping someone deal with their emotions, feelings and mental health is a very serious undertaking and must only be done by professionals who are trained and experienced doing this.”

While I agree with most of that, here is the point he made that hit me hard. “Divorce lawyers are the love undertakers. Unlike marriage counselors and therapists whose job it is to save relationships and help people heal, our job is to bury dead marriages quickly and efficiently … Read More... “Blast From The Past: Are Divorce Lawyers Just “Love Undertakers”? [A Rebuttal]”

Don’ts if You are Considering a Divorce

Contemplating a Divorce? 5 things NOT to do!

Here are 5 things NOT to do if you are contemplating a divorce:

Number 1: Don’t Tell Everyone the News…

As much as you might want to discuss the news that you and your spouse may be headed for a divorce, bite your tongue. Do your best to try to stay calm, and not talk about it with all your friends and family. I can’t tell you how many folks I see to discuss a “possible” divorce that manage to resolve the impending crisis and remain married. By sharing the “dirt” at the thought of divorcing, you may end up poisoning your spouse’s relationship with others and damage your relationship if things are patched up.

Number 2: Don’t Retaliate…

Emotions can run very high when a person learns that a divorce may be in the near future. Do your best to curb those emotions! If you can’t sleep and the anxiety is overwhelming, be sure to go see your family doctor. I had one client who believed her husband was having an affair at work, so she cut off every button on all of his dress shirts. Another one who … Read More... “Don’ts if You are Considering a Divorce”

What is a Divorce Retainer Fee Agreement and What is Its Purpose?

Divorce Retainer Fee Agreement

Divorce Lawyers Require A Retainer Fee On Start Of Your Legal Representation

So, unfortunately you find yourself meeting with a divorce lawyer to discuss terminating your marriage. The conference goes well and after careful consideration you decide to hire the lawyer.

HOW DO DIVORCE LAWYERS CHARGE?

When the subject of fees and the attorney’s hourly rate comes up, you will likely hear the request for a “retainer fee“. Most all divorce lawyers will require a retainer fee at the inception of accepting your legal representation. Some, on the other hand will instead request a fixed fee amount rather than one based upon the amount of time and services provided. Fixed fee divorce representation is rare these days, in part because it is impossible to really gauge the number of hours which will be required, contested issues, or the level of rancor between the parties. Contingent fee agreements in a divorce are not allowed in Ohio. Be careful to discuss and fully understand the type of fee with the lawyer at the start. More on that below…

WHAT IS A RETAINER FEE? WHAT TYPICALLY DO DIVORCE LAWYERS CHARGE?

A “retainer” is a fee … Read More... “What is a Divorce Retainer Fee Agreement and What is Its Purpose?”

Are Divorce Lawyers Just “Love Undertakers”? [A Rebuttal]

Divorce Lawyers Should Not Assist Clients With Mental Health Issues Says NYC Attorney

While I agree with most of that, here is the point he made that hit me hard. “Divorce lawyers are the love undertakers. Unlike marriage counselors and therapists whose job it is to save relationships and help people heal, our job is to bury dead marriages quickly and efficiently before their toxicity spreads any further,” says Kleyman.

WOW, I have to disagree with Attorney Kleyman a bit on this one. This seems far too limited of a view of our role as a divorce lawyer in my opinion. I have been practicing family law and divorce work in Dayton, Ohio for 40 years. … Read More... “Are Divorce Lawyers Just “Love Undertakers”? [A Rebuttal]”