Fees

Concern over the potential high cost of attorney fees is the primary reason people avoid or delay calling an attorney, often to their own detriment. I believe being up front about my fees from the start helps relieve some of this anxiety.

 

Personal Injury

Personal injury cases are handled on a customary contingency fee basis of 33% plus expenses and cost. Every client is provided a written Contingency Fee Agreement explaining in detail the fee arrangement. A case is never settled without the client's approval, and client's are always provided with a Settlement Statement at the close of their case explaining exactly how the settlement proceeds will be dispersed.  

 

Business Services

The fee arrangements for business matters on an hourly or flat fee basis.

  • Business Litigation & Disputes: These matters are handled on an hourly basis of $250.00/hour.

  • Business Formation:The formation of a business entity is performed for a flat fee, plus filing fees. Corporations, Limited Liability Companies, and Partnerships can be formed for $1000.00, depending on complexity. This fee includes preparing the necessary governmental filings, by-laws/operating agreements, and obtaining the company's tax identification number. Lower fees apply for individual documents. Please call 216.225.9181, Email, or use the contact form for specifics.

  • Business Retainer: Business professionals are focused on the bottom line, and often neglect calling their attorney for fear of having the clock running every time they call. With a reasonably priced monthly retainer agreement, you can contact me by phone or email at anytime without concern of the clock running. If it is necessary for me to take any action after we discuss a matter, any additional fees will be mutually agreed to and documented prior to fees being incurred. In consideration for the monthly retainer, participants in the program receive reduced hourly and contingency fees for additional services.

Domestic Relations

The fee arrangements for domestic relations matters include hourly and flat fee agreements.

  • Dissolution & Uncontested Divorces Without Children: These matters are handled on a flat fee basis of $1000.00, plus filing fees. If the matter becomes contested, it will be converted to an hourly basis of $250.00/hour with fees being secured against a retainer. If you wish to handle the court appearances yourself, documents can be prepared for $500.00. Plus filing fees.

  • Dissolution & Uncontested Divorces With Children: These matters are handled on a flat fee basis of $2000.00, plus filing fees. If the matter becomes contested, it will be converted to an hourly basis of $250.00/hour with fees being secured against a retainer. Plus filing fees.

  • Divorce: These matters are handled on a flat fee basis of $3500.00, plus filing fees.

  • Motion Preparation: Motions to Show Cause for failure to pay child support or permit visitation are prepared for a flat fee of $500.00.

  • Pre-Nuptial Agreements: $500.00 for first draft; $100.00 additional for each revision.

Estates, Wills & Trusts

The majority of estate planning documents are prepared on a flat fee basis. The fees for these matters are due on an incremental basis: first half to start drafting, and second half due after first drafts have been reviewed and before the final documents are delivered. Please call 216.225.9181, Email, or use the contact form to schedule a consultation.

  • Last Will &Testament: $150.00.

  • Durable Power of Attorney: $75.00.

  • Healthcare Power of Attorney: $75.00.

  • Living Will: $75.00.

  • Last Will & Testament, Durable Power of Attorney

    Healthcare Power of Attorney, and Living Will Package: $300.00 single person ($75.00 savings), $600.00 for a couple ($150.00 savings).

  • Living Trust: $500.00 without funding the trust. Additional fees for funding the trust.

  • Most Other Trust: $750.00 to $1,500.00.

Real Estate

The majority of real estate services are preformed on a flat fee basis.

  • Contract for Purchase of Real Estate Preparation/Review: $100.00.

  • Mortgages: $75.00.

  • Promissory Note: $75.00.

  • Lease: $50.00.

  • Deeds: $60.00.

  • Eviction Document Preparation: $50.00 (This document preparation only, with instructions. This is only available to individual non-corporate clients.)

  • Eviction With Court Representation: $250.00 plus filing fees (This is for individuals, corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, property managers, etc., as attorney representation is required by Cleveland Bar Association v. Picklo (2002), 96 Ohio State.3d 195). A lower fee is available with a commitment for all of an organization's evictions. Please call 216.225.9181, Email, or use the contact form for specifics.

Criminal Defense

The majority of criminal defense matters are handled on an hourly basis of $250.00/hour; however, under many circumstances, fixed fees arrangements can be made. The exceptions are listed below:

  • OVI/DUI/DWI Preserve Evidence & Conduct DIscovery: $1000.00. Actions are taken to preserve any evidence that exists, such as video and audio recordings. Provide client with an evaluation of the case, and the appropriateness of a Motion to Suppress Evidence or taking the matter to trial. Motion to Suppress Evidence is an additional $500.00. Client is responsible for any agreed upon expert witness fees.

  • OVI/DUI/DWI Trial Representation: $3500.00 to take the above actions, and represent client through trial. Throughout the above process, the client will be counseled on the appropriateness of taking the matter to trial. If after either of the above options the client elects to pursue the matter further, any fees previously paid will be credited against the trial fee. Client is responsible for any agreed upon expert witness fees.

  • Major Traffic Offenses: Same as OVI/DUI/DWI fee structure.

  • Minor Traffic Offenses: $100.00 for court appearance at first pretrial hearing; $300.00 for trial.

     

    Bankruptcy

    Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings are between $1300.00 and $1500.00 for attorneys fees, depending on the facts and complexity of the case. The client must also pay court costs of 335.00, plus expenses. Chapter 11 and 13 cases are charged by the hour and are paid from the confirmed plans. There is a $800.00 as a retainer for a standard consumer Chapter 13 proceeding, plus additional fees as set forth above, and court costs of $310.00. Please call 216.225.9181, Email, or use the contact form to schedule a consultation. All fees and expenses will be detailed in a written retainer agreement.

     

    This office is a debt relief agency. I help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.