Contested Family Law

A contested family law case is a case where the parties do not agree on what they want from their divorce or child custody case. At the Fox Law Firm, we take our family law cases very seriously. We know that family is usually the most important aspect of a person’s life and that providing quality and compassionate legal services is essential when it comes to family law issues. Andrea performs these services at an hourly rate of $200 per hour, with a retainer dependent on the case due prior to commencement of representation.

Uncontested Family Law

An uncontested family law case is a case where the parties agree on what they want from their divorce or child custody case. Usually in these cases, the parties need assistance drafting and filing documents to complete the divorce or child custody matter. Legal assistance is helpful with drafting these documents to assure that all of your documents are executed fully and Andrea performs these services at an hourly rate of $200 per hour, with a retainer dependent on the case (less than for a contested family law case).

Limited Scope Representation

Limited scope representation is when a lawyer agrees that they will handle some parts of your case and you will handle others. This is different from more traditional arrangements between lawyers and clients where a lawyer is hired to provide legal services on all aspects of a case, from start to finish. For instance, an attorney could draft some paperwork for you, while you draft the rest. Or, an attorney could represent you at a single hearing, while you do your own paperwork. Whatever the case may be, Andrea can tailor her representation to your needs, empowering you to do whatever you feel comfortable with. Andrea performs these services at an hourly rate of $200 per hour, with a retainer dependent on the scope of representation required, generally less than full representation for a contested family law case. 

Consultations

Fox Law Firm consultations for family law matters. You may schedule a telephone consultation for up to 30 minutes for a flat fee of $95.00, to be prepaid. Or, if you are in Kalispell you may schedule an in-person consultation which is paid at my normal hourly rate of $200, payment due at time of service. Call, text, or email to set up your consultation!

Payment Options

Fox Law Firm offers payment by check, cash, or credit card. 

FAQs

What areas of family law does Fox Law Firm handle?

I handle family law matters all over Montana – divorce, parenting plans, child custody issues, mediation, motion drafting, and simple wills. I have options for contested and uncontested representation. I offer limited scope, flat fee services for portions of contested divorces, or for the entire uncontested divorce. Whatever your situation looks like, there is usually a way to fit my help to it, and to do for an affordable flat fee.

What is the difference between a contested and an uncontested family law case?

A contested case is one where you and the other party do not agree on what you want out of your divorce or custody case. An uncontested case is one where you do agree, and you mostly just need help getting the documents drafted and filed. Uncontested cases cost less because they take less of my time. If you are both on the same page, a joint dissolution is usually the fastest and cheapest path to resolution. My uncontested joint dissolution does include all non-mediation negotiations, so I can help you guys arrive at an agreement on smaller issues as we go.

How much does a family law attorney in Kalispell cost?

Most of my services are not done for an hourly rate, they are done for a flat fee. My flat fee services range in price based on how much time they take, from $295 to $3000. When charging an hourly rate, my hourly rate is $200, and the retainer depends on your case. A 30 minute phone consultation is $95, and it is a good place to start if you are not sure which option fits.

Do I have to hire an attorney for my entire case?

Nope. Limited scope representation means you hire me for one specific piece of your case at a time. You can handle other parts of it on your own, or hire me to assist as you move through your case. I can tailor my representation to fit your situation and your budget. Almost all of my services are available for a flat fee, so you know exactly what you are paying before I start. You can even purchase items for various parts of your cases as you go, so you aren’t plunking down a huge amount up front.

Do you work with clients outside the Flathead Valley?

Yes. I am based in Kalispell, but I offer my services statewide. Most of my work happens by phone, email, and e-signature, so where you are in Montana does not really matter.

How does a retainer work?

A retainer is money you pay up front that I bill against as I work. I only utilize retainers for mediation representation. When I do so, I bill monthly, and you can ask me for a retainer statement any time you want to see where things stand. If you do not use the whole retainer, you get the rest back. If you would rather skip the retainer entirely, that is exactly why I built my flat fee services – you pay one price and that is it. No billing, no surprises.

Do you go to court?

At this time I am not doing court appearances. What I can do is draft and file your paperwork, represent you at mediation, or handle a specific piece of your case on a limited scope basis. Most cases do not end up ever requiring courtroom representation. However, if you do require counsel for a court appearance, I will tell you that and point you toward folks I trust in your area.

What payment methods do you accept?

I accept check, cash, or credit card. Flat fee services are paid up front when you purchase, and consultation invoices are paid by 5:00 p.m. the day before your consultation.