Flat fees

Sometimes, legal services are offered as a flat rate because the complexity and the time to complete the service can be reasonably estimated. The flat rate includes any court appearances that may be necessary. The rate does not include any unreasonable, unexpected expenses. If unexpected expenses arise in the course of providing the service, then approval will be obtained from the client prior to incurring the expense, with the expectation of reimbursement from the client. The following services are offered at a flat rate:

Quit Claim Deed – $150

Power of Attorney – $150

Orders of Protection – $250

Child Support enforcement – $250

Vocational Rehabilitation Services appeals – $250

Disability Determination Services appeals – $250

Unemployment appeals – $250

Medicaid/TennCare appeals – $250

Truancy hearing – $250

Warranty Deed – $300

Child and Adult Care Food Program appeals – $500

Summer Food Program appeals – $500

Child Care Star Rating appeals – $500

Divorce – not contested and no children – $500

Will – $500

Cases requiring a retainer and hourly fee

Sometimes, cases are unpredictable and the time to provide the service is not reasonably known with any certainty. In those cases, lawyers ask for a retainer to begin work on the case. The retainer is held in a Trust Account and the lawyer charges the hourly rate to the retainer until it is depleted. When the retainer has been depleted, the lawyer and client will assess the case and determine whether another retainer is needed or if the client may be invoiced for the remaining work. If the work is completed before the retainer has been depleted, then the lawyer will return the unused funds to the client. The following cases require a retainer to begin work at the stated hourly rate:

Adoption – $5,000 retainer ($200 hourly rate)

Divorce – Contested – $5,000 retainer ($200 hourly rate)

Probate estate disputes – $5,000 retainer ($200 hourly rate)

Criminal Law – $2,000 retainer ($200 hourly rate)

Parenting plans (not divorce related) – $2,000 retainer ($200 hourly rate)

Juvenile delinquent charges – $1,000 retainer ($100 hourly rate)

***DISCLAIMER: The information presented on this page is for general information only. Viewing this information does not constitute legal advice and does not form an attorney/client relationship.***