We never bill by the hour.

For clients, if a lawyer bills-by-the-hour 3 things are guaranteed:

• Your case will take more time (you can’t move on with your life)

• Your case will be more expensive (needlessly)

• The representation will be inferior (because communication will be diminished)

For lawyers, if they bill-by-the-hour, it means:

• That lawyer isn’t experienced enough to know the divorce/custody process

• Oftentimes they don’t have your best interest in mind (see above)

• They might be ‘behind’ in other aspects of their business too (technology, changes in the law)

A better option…fixed fee billing

For new divorce or child custody (parents who are not married) cases, we break these cases into 3 predictable stages with a fixed fee for each stage. The fee for each stage is only paid when (and if) your case requires the stage. Here are the 3 stages:

1. Negotiated Divorce. Here’s where we prepare and file a new case. Further, we’ll secure various temporary orders for child support, parenting time, and attorney’s fees (if necessary). We’ll provide strategic guidance and negotiate settlement terms. And we’ll draft final settlement documents to 100% finish the case.

2. Contested Divorce. This stage 2 occurs typically when the parties cannot come to an agreement after attending mediation, upon the appointment of a GAL for the child(ren), or formal legal discovery/investigation becomes necessary. Fundamentally this stage involves the necessary input from the Court as the parties have not been able to resolve final settlement on their own.

3. Divorce Trial. This is rare (5% of cases in Cook County, Illinois) but sometimes it’s the only way to finish your case. Here’s where a Judge issues a final decision to complete your matter. This stage 3 involves comprehensive trial preparation, legal research, and representation of client at the final trial/hearing where evidence and contested testimony is taken and/or given.

Don’t write your lawyer a blank check (hourly billing). Choose a PRO to finish your case faster, predictably, and more successfully.