Legal Fee Options
At Salvaggio Law Group LLC, we understand that each client's case is unique, and we work carefully with each client to arrive at the best methodology for determining the cost of our legal representation.
Although we continue to employ the traditional hourly fee billing structure when necessary, we also give many clients the option of fixed fee billing.
Traditional Hourly Fee Billing Method
Most New Jersey divorce lawyers charge for their services by the hour. What that typically means is that the lawyers keep track of the time they spend on the case and then send the client a bill for the service, based upon the time spent. Lawyers keep track of their time in intervals (i.e., 0.5 hours). When they bill the client, they typically put the date the work was completed, a description of the work and a statement of the time.
At the beginning of the representation, New Jersey family law attorneys request an initial "retainer" from the client. This "retainer" should be placed in a client funds (trust) account and the attorneys charge for their time against the retainer until it falls below an agreed upon level. Then, the client is asked to replenish the retainer. Often, clients misunderstand that the "retainer" is not the total cost of the case, but only an initial deposit.
Many people, both in and outside of the legal profession, believe that the hourly fee method of billing promotes unnecessary conflict between the client and attorney. Often, clients misunderstand that the "retainer" is not the total cost of the case, but only an initial deposit.
Fixed Fee Billing Option
After many years of experience handling New Jersey Divorce and Family Law matters, Salvaggio Law Group believe that both the lawyer and the client should focus on the quality of the lawyer's services, rather than the amount of time which the lawyer has spent. This is best achieved through a fixed fee billing method.
The advantages of the fixed fee billing method include:
- Customized Fee. David Salvaggio works with each client to explain all of the available options, the costs and benefits of each of those options, and develop a clear mission. Then, a customized fee is developed for each phase of the case, based both on the scope of the mission and the resources necessary to attempt to achieve that mission.
- Certainty. Once the fee is determined, it will not increase.
- There Is No Chance of Misunderstanding. When the hourly billing method is used, a client often believes that the cost is manageable, because the lawyer's initial retainer is much lower than the final cost of the case. When the lawyer sends the client the first hourly-based invoice, which announces that the initial retainer has been exhausted and needs to be replenished, the lawyer and client are sometimes at odds.
- Goal Orientation. Last but not least, fixed fee billing puts the emphasis where it should be-on the task at hand rather than the time which must be spent.
New Jersey Family Law Matters Are All We Do.
Because of our singular focus and our experience, we can help you feel more comfortable about where you stand and all of your options.
At Salvaggio Law Group, we handle a limited number of cases at any given time. We don't take on more than we can manage. Therefore, when a client needs our attention, we have the time to provide what is needed.
The first step is to call the firm. The telephone number is 973-855-3595.
If you prefer, just click on the Contact Form, fill it out and submit it.
If your case is one that we would consider handling, Mr. Salvaggio will take the time to talk to you personally and, if appropriate, schedule a personal and confidential Assessment in our office.
We really are here to help.