A retainer is different from a paid consultation in that the paid consultation will only entitle the client to information on the date and time of the paid consultation. A retainer is a lump sum of money paid by a client for work that will be performed on an ongoing basis after the initial consultation is conducted. The amount of the initial retainer may or may not cover the entire costs of a client's legal fees. It is virtually impossible to determine in advance the total cost for lawyers' fees in a family law case. However, factors which influence the total cost of legal fees include the issues involved, complexity of the issues, and whether the case can be resolved by agreement or litigation is involved.
In most cases, there is no requirement for the opposing party to pay the other spouse's retainer for their attorney fees. However, if a Divorce Complaint has been filed and there are liquid assets available to the spouses, a judge may enter an award of temporary counsel fees if a motion is presented requesting them. Another alternative may be to request an interim award of attorneys' fees as part of an alimony pendente lite action.
Our office accepts Pennsylvania family law cases including divorce, equitable distribution, spousal support, alimony pendente late, alimony, paternity and child support matters, child custody cases, juvenile law cases, and related matters in Allegheny County (Pittsburgh), Beaver County, Butler County, Washington County, and Westmoreland County (Greensburg). Our law firm accepts Pennsylvania family law cases from other Western Pennsylvania counties including Armstrong County (Kittanning) Clarion County, Fayette County, Greene County, Indiana County, Lawrence County, Mercer County, Somerset County, and Venango County on a case-by-case basis. To schedule a consultation, click here.
