Family Law and Divorce
(CT only)
At Affordable Legal Services, LLC, we represent clients struggling with divorce, legal separation, child custody, modifications of current orders, and child support issues. We understand that family law presents myriad challenges. First, unlike in criminal cases, you have no right to an attorney if you are going through a divorce or child custody case. That’s why we strive to provide affordable legal services for all individuals. Second, it is a field of law where emotions can run high. After all, we are dealing with some of life’s most intimate and personal problems. We at Affordable Legal Services, LLC, understand this aspect of your family-related legal issue. We will aggressively represent you to ensure that your family is protected and that we reach a fair and equitable outcome.
We offer flat fees on uncontested cases and reasonable hourly fees for cases without flat fees. You will also likely be surprised by how much opposing parties in a divorce or child custody matter can agree with each other once they both sit down with their attorneys.
Please note that we currently do NOT handle adoptions.
Our basic fee structures for family cases are as follows (does NOT include court costs for filing; those who qualify for financial hardship can apply for a waiver for court costs):
Fees For Divorces & Legal Separations:
Uncontested (Agreed) Divorces – $225 per hour
Requires full agreement on ALL issues prior to filing, including division of assets, potential alimony, division of home equity and retirement funds, child custody and support, etc.
Contested Divorces - $250 - $300 per hour
Contested Cases
Typical Retainer for Contested Cases with or without children varies on how complicated the matter will be and how many contested issues there are regarding children, alimony, assets, etc. Please inquire about Retainer Fees and flexibility with payments. Please Note: a “retainer” literally retains the services of an attorney for a specific amount of time; it is not “the price” per se. However, since our hourly fees are lower than average, your Retainer will go further with us than at most other offices.
Child Custody & Support Matters - $225-$300 per hour
All custody, support and visitation matters.
Discounts available for Limited Appearances on ALL family matters.
Discounts cannot be combined.
Civil/family protective orders - $250 - $300 per hour.
Other Services Related To Family Matters:
Drafting and/or Reviewing Family Documents (drafting only, does not include representation) - $150 per hour;
Talk To An Attorney!: $100 for up to 1 hour.
*All consultations are protected by attorney-client confidentiality, even if attorney is not hired after initial consultation.*
Standard Court Costs and Fees:
Includes e-filing Complaint, Summons, Notice of Automatic Orders, and any other initial court documents, AND a Marshals’ Fee for service of process. Court costs and marshals’ fees are required unless Client receives a waiver from the Court due to financial indigence.
Any and all other case expenses incurred throughout case will be charged to retainer.
Also, I’d like to mention that I charge a consultation fee for all family case consultations. Unfortunately, I have to, otherwise people just come in for an hour, ask me everything they want to know, and then just go do it themselves. So, I charge $100 for all family consultations, $80 for veterans/current military and LGBTQ case consultations.