Retainer vs. Flat Fees Child Custody and Conservatorship

San Antonio, Texas, Criminal Defense ● Divorce Attorney

Attorneys have a number of different ways they can charge clients for legal representation and legal services. In general, however, there are two kinds of fees in family law and criminal defense cases: retainer fees and flat fees. In the case of the former, a specified amount of money is provided to a lawyer in order to retain him or her for legal services. In the case of a flat fee, clients are given a cost schedule that details how much each service performed by an attorney costs. Consequently, clients are able to determine how much a divorce, prenuptial agreement, DUI defense, protective order, or other applicable legal service will cost upfront. At the Law Offices of Bill Baskette, I provide flat fees for certain legal services. My fees reflect costs associated with paperwork, court filings, pulling documents, legal research time, and other services.

Due to costs associated with investigators, expert witnesses and forensic specialists, most serious, criminal defense matters are not subject to a flat fee. However, in certain kinds of legal services are assigned a flat fee by my office. If you would like more information regarding our family law and criminal defense practice, contact the Law Offices of Bill Baskette today.

Retainers and Increased Costs

Retainers allow attorneys to continue charging for services, thereby increasing costs for clients. Since a retainer is what a client pays to ensure a lawyer performs work on a case, if an attorney decides more work is needed, a client will be asked to pay more in order to retain the attorney.

Why I Charge Flat Fees

In today's economic climate, it's important for people to know what a divorce or criminal defense is going to cost them. Especially in criminal cases where costs can rapidly increase in hiring investigators and experts, families need to know the costs involved in order to make the necessary financial arrangements. A flat fee avoids much of the financial uncertainty by letting clients know how much they will have to spend.

For more information regarding my practice and how I can help you, contact family law and criminal defense attorney Bill Baskette today.