Retainer Agreement – Family Law

1. Parties and Matter

• Law Firm: [Firm Name], located at [Address].
• Client: [Client Name], residing at [Address].
• Matter: [Divorce/Custody/Support/Other], case number (if assigned) [Case No.].

2. Scope of Services

• Representation includes negotiation, mediation, drafting pleadings, court appearances, discovery, and settlement efforts related to the defined family law matter.
• Services do not include appeals, modifications after final judgment, criminal/immigration/tax advice, or property transactions without written amendment.

3. Attorney Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel, prepare necessary documents, and advocate in court or mediation.
• Keep client informed of significant developments and provide copies of filings.

4. Client Responsibilities

• Provide complete financial disclosures, parenting information, and relevant documents.
• Complete required financial affidavits and parenting classes timely.
• Maintain civility and follow court orders; inform attorney of any violations or emergencies.

5. Fee Arrangement

• Initial retainer deposit: $[Amount] to be placed in trust.
• Billing against retainer at hourly rates:
• Partner/Lead Attorney: $[Rate]/hour
• Associate Attorney: $[Rate]/hour
• Paralegal/Legal Assistant: $[Rate]/hour
• Minimum billing increments of [0.1] hour; travel billed at standard rates.
• Monthly invoices provided; payment due within [Number] days. Retainer replenishment required when balance below $[Threshold].

6. Costs and Expenses

• Client responsible for court filing fees, service fees, custody evaluators, mediators, forensic accountants, parenting coordinators, expert witnesses, copies, and postage.
• Third-party service providers engaged only with client approval, except for routine costs under $[Amount].

7. Alternative Fee Provisions (Optional)

• [Flat fee for uncontested divorce], payable as follows: [Milestone Schedule].
• Additional work outside flat fee billed at hourly rates above.

8. Confidentiality and Privacy

• Attorney will maintain confidentiality consistent with professional rules.
• Client agrees not to share attorney communications with opposing party or social media.

9. Conflicts of Interest

• Client confirms no existing representation conflicts. Firm will run conflict check prior to engagement.

10. Termination of Representation

• Client may terminate by written notice; firm will cease work upon receipt subject to court approval if pending action.
• Firm may withdraw for nonpayment, conflict, or ethical obligations. Client responsible for fees incurred through termination date.
• File will be delivered electronically within [Number] days after settlement of account.

11. Dispute Resolution and Governing Law

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

12. File Retention

• Firm retains file for [Number] years after closure, then securely destroys unless client requests earlier return.

13. Acknowledgement

• Client acknowledges receiving and understanding terms, including billing practices and confidentiality obligations.

14. Signatures