Fee Agreement – Flat Fee Services

1. Parties and Matter Description

• Law Firm: [Firm Name], [Address].
• Client: [Client Name/Entity], [Address].
• Scope of Engagement: [Describe task, e.g., "Preparation and filing of uncontested divorce"].

2. Flat Fee Amount and Payment Schedule

• Total flat fee: $[Amount].
• Payment terms:
• $[Deposit] due upon signing (earned upon receipt/not earned until completion – select one).
• $[Milestone Payment] due upon [Event].
• Remaining balance of $[Amount] due upon delivery of final work product/filing.
• Flat fee covers attorney time for tasks listed in Section 3 only.

3. Services Included

• Initial consultation of up to [Number] hours.
• Preparation of [List documents].
• One round of revisions based on client feedback.
• Filing/submission of documents with [Court/Agency].
• Status updates through conclusion of defined matter.

4. Services Excluded

• Contested hearings, negotiations beyond [Number] hours, appeals, additional parties, or modifications after final order.
• Additional services billed at hourly rates per Appendix A or subject to new agreement.

5. Costs and Expenses

• Client responsible for filing fees, court costs, service fees, notary charges, postage, travel, and third-party vendor expenses.
• Costs must be paid in advance or reimbursed upon invoice within [Number] days.

6. Client Responsibilities

• Provide complete and accurate information, supporting documents, and timely decisions.
• Attend scheduled meetings/hearings and respond to attorney inquiries within [Number] days.

7. Trust Account Treatment

• Unless designated as earned upon receipt, flat fee funds deposited into trust and transferred as milestones achieved.
• If client terminates before completion, firm will refund unearned portion minus reasonable value of work performed.

8. Communication and Confidentiality

• Primary communication via [Email/Phone/Portal].
• Attorney-client privilege applies; client agrees not to disclose legal advice to third parties.

9. Termination

• Client may terminate at any time with written notice; firm entitled to compensation for services rendered and costs incurred up to termination date.
• Firm may withdraw for nonpayment, conflict, or ethical obligations, subject to applicable rules.

10. Dispute Resolution and Governing Law

• Fee disputes submitted to [State/County Bar Fee Arbitration] prior to litigation.
• Agreement governed by laws of [State]; venue [County].

11. Entire Agreement

• Represents complete understanding of flat fee engagement; amendments must be in writing and signed by both parties.

12. Signatures