Fee Agreement – Hourly (Family Law)

1. Parties and Matter

• Law Firm: [FIRM NAME], [ADDRESS].
• Client: [CLIENT NAME], [ADDRESS].
• Matter: Family law representation regarding [DIVORCE/CUSTODY/SUPPORT/ENFORCEMENT].

2. Scope of Representation

The Firm will provide services for:
☐ Divorce or legal separation
☐ Custody and parenting plan
☐ Child support and spousal support
☐ Property and debt division
☐ Modification/enforcement
☐ Protective order

3. Hourly Rates and Billing Increments

Rates (subject to periodic adjustment with [NUMBER] days' notice):
- Partners: $[RATE]/hour
- Senior Associates: $[RATE]/hour
- Associates: $[RATE]/hour
- Paralegals/Legal Assistants: $[RATE]/hour

Minimum billing increment: [0.1] hour.
Travel time billed at: ☐ full rate ☐ half rate.

4. Retainer Deposit

Client will pay an initial retainer of $[AMOUNT], deposited in the Firm's trust account. The Firm will apply the retainer to fees and costs as billed. Client agrees to replenish the retainer to $[MAINTAINED AMOUNT] within [NUMBER] days of request.

5. Invoicing and Payment Terms

• Invoices issued: [MONTHLY/BIWEEKLY].
• Payment due within [NUMBER] days.
• Past-due balances accrue interest at [RATE]% per month or the maximum lawful rate.

6. Costs and Expenses

Client is responsible for reasonable case costs, including filing fees, service of process, court reporters, custody evaluators, expert fees, mediation fees, and travel. Costs over $[AMOUNT] require prior approval unless needed to protect Client's interests.

7. Client Responsibilities

Client agrees to provide complete and accurate information, respond promptly to requests, attend hearings and mediation, and comply with court orders. Client will not communicate with the opposing party's counsel about settlement without the Firm's knowledge.

8. Settlement Authority

Client retains final authority over settlement decisions. The Firm will communicate all offers promptly and provide recommendations.

9. Termination and Withdrawal

Client may terminate at any time. The Firm may withdraw as permitted by applicable rules and court orders. Upon termination, Client is responsible for fees and costs incurred through termination. Any unearned trust funds will be refunded after final accounting.

10. Fee Dispute Resolution

Fee disputes will be submitted to any required bar fee dispute program prior to court action.

11. Governing Law and Venue

This Agreement is governed by the laws of [STATE], venue in [COUNTY], [STATE], unless otherwise required by law.

12. Signatures