See terms of representation. We provide flat fees with no hidden costs where we know the amount of work required. We work on a percentage basis where allowed by the ethics rules which means that we do not get paid unless you get paid. We work on an hourly basis with a retainer in all other cases. We keep our fees in line with the competition and we will match most written quotes if you provide the quote to us.
Congratulations on your decision to contact our law firm. We know this is a very difficult time in your life. You are making the right choice to seek legal advice if you have found yourself thinking you need to call a lawyer. Many people wait until it is too late.
Our firm is one of only a few law firms that restrict their practice solely to family matters like yours. We have developed our entire staff, systems and procedures around helping people who:
- need to avert a major family or financial catastrophe;
- seek the best in family and divorce planning or criminal defense with long-term positive results in mind;
- want to be represented by a unique team that has received the highest recognitions available in this community as well as state and nationally.
Our firm also offers unique, customer-friendly pricing. You will participate in formulating your preferred future and the amount of resources that you must allocate to achieve that result. This will all be agreed upon at the outset and your contract will set forth your mission, the work that will be performed, and the price terms.
Your journey with our firm begins with a consultation. You can choose paid 30 minute consultation or a paid 60 minute consultation.
The 30 minute consultation is the perfect amount of time to allow you and John to determine whether it makes sense to do business together. By making the appointment, you agree:
- NOT TO DISCUSS OR REVEAL INFORMATION IN THE CONSULTATION THAT COULD BE SIGNIFICANTLY HARMFUL TO YOU IN YOUR MATTER.
- THE CONSULTATION SHALL NOT PRECLUDE MR. SCHMIDT FROM REPRESENTING THE OPPOSING PARTY IF YOU DECIDE NOT TO RETAIN MR. SCHMIDT OR MR. SCHMIDT DECLINES REPRESENTATION.
Given that our schedules are very tightly managed, and given that the scheduling of time affects all of our clients, we require a guaranteed partial payment for all time slots of 30 minutes or more at the time you set the appointment and the balance when you arrive for the appointment. We secure that with a credit card number.
How Much?
The amount of the engagement fee can only be determined after learning the specifics of a particular case through an initial extended consultation. See terms of representation and additional information below for further details.
Simple & Doable
We keep it simple. We use engagement letters which are one or two pages long. The letter outlines our agreement and we both sign at the bottom. We work with clients on the financial aspect of the representation so let’s talk about your situation.
Clear & Fair
You are responsible for the fees earned and the costs incurred per the letter we sign. If you put money into a retainer with us, then it is your money until it is earned or spent on your behalf. Once we deduct what is due to us and the representation ends, we will refund the balance to you or you can keep the money in the account without penalty as a retainer.
Beginning
Representation of any client does not begin until after an engagement agreement is fully executed and the retainer / flat fee is paid in full.
Appointments
Consultations are by appointment only. Please arrive 15 minutes early for your appointment. Clients who are late for any appointment may be asked to reschedule at the attorney’s discretion.
Cancellations
We would like to thank you for being a client in our office. Please understand that when we schedule your appointment, we are reserving time for your particular needs. We kindly ask that if you must change an appointment, please give us at least 24 hours’ notice. This courtesy makes it possible to give your reserved time to another client who would like it.
Missed Appointments (Non-Cancelled)
No refunds will be given for a missed or non-cancelled appointment. Repeated missed appointments may result in your attorney sending a letter discharging you from the practice.
Pro Bono
We have a duty to the firm, our co-workers, those dependent upon us and to our clients to stay in business, so we charge a fair price for our services. If payment for services is not in your plan, then we recommend you immediately contact the Legal Aid Society.
Uncontested Divorce
UNCONTESTED DIVORCE is where the husband and wife, agreeing on all matters including property division, custody and support, sit down with John Schmidt at the same time to complete the required paperwork.
NO MINOR CHILDREN can be completed in one session. MINOR CHILDREN can be completed in two sessions.
All other scenarios are CONTESTED DIVORCE.
We make it simple. Flat fee basis plus costs and expenses. The fee varies if you own your home, own retirement accounts and want to divide one or more, etc. Contact us today to discuss your situation and receive a free quote.
Military
If you are active military, we thank you for your service. Law Offices of John Schmidt & Associates offers special rates for the men and women who serve in our armed forces. Please call for further details. We accept allotments if you are a Service Member and we accept bond assignments so you do not have to come up with money for both the bond and the attorney.
Out of State
We work with clients who are out of state on a regular basis. Law Offices of John Schmidt & Associates can set up teleconferences, video conferences, etc. Schedule an appointment with us today!
