Attorney's Fees and Costs

Hiring a lawyer to handle a legal issue can be a costly pursuit. Attorney’s fees may add up quickly and many of us have heard horror stories of clients being barraged by hidden costs. This is why Florida family law attorney Sandy T. Fox is dedicated to providing you with honest, transparent, and accurate information about the nature of legal fees. A Florida Bar Board Certified specialist in Marital & Family Law, Mr. Fox strictly follows the guidelines for fees imposed by the Florida courts, and strives to provide you with the highest quality representation at affordable costs.

Under Florida law, attorneys who file cases in the Florida family courts must have a fixed hourly rate fee. Generally, Florida family and marital law cases cannot be based on a contingency fee arrangement. This means that in most situations, the fees the attorney receives cannot be based on the outcome of the case. At the Law Offices of Sandy T. Fox, we provide you with a straightforward retainer agreement that clearly explains our hourly rate. We will discuss this hourly rate with you, as well as the logistics of our fee agreements, and can answer any questions you may have regarding the arrangement. We will not move forward with your family or marital law case until you are comfortable with the associated costs.

Under Florida law, the courts may award attorney’s fees and costs in marital dissolution, child custody and support, and enforcement or modification proceedings. Specifically, the court may order one party to pay these amounts on behalf of the other where the parties are in unequal financial positions. The purpose behind this rule is to ensure that both sides have equal access to competent counsel to represent them in divorce or other family law proceedings. Such an award may be made at the end of the proceedings, or even on a temporary or interim basis so that the less financially secure party can be ensured full access to representation throughout the litigation.

In determining whether the attorney’s fees of one party should be “shifted” to the other, the court will consider a variety of factors, including: (1) the parties’ respective needs and ability to pay; (2) the relative financial circumstances of the parties; and (3) whether the awarding of fees and costs is reasonable.

Costs are separate from attorney’s fees, and are comprised of the expenses the parties incur in bringing or opposing a lawsuit. Under Florida law, these amounts will be awarded to the prevailing party, and can include: filing fees for briefs, motions, and other documents submitted to the court; expenses incurred in relation to depositions of parties or other witnesses; court reporter fees; and other court costs.

When you are dealing with a difficult and emotional family or marital issue, the last thing you should have to worry about is how to afford protecting your rights and best interests. At the Law Offices of Sandy T. Fox, P.A., Miami family law attorney Sandy T. Fox is committed to providing you excellent representation at the most affordable price possible. We will always be transparent and straightforward in providing you information on our fee requirements, and will work with you to request an award of attorney’s fees when your budget is limited. Cost should not prevent you from obtaining the legal representation you deserve. If you have a family or marital issue for which you need a lawyer and have questions about costs or fees, contact the Law Offices of Sandy T. Fox, P.A., for a confidential consultation at 800.596.0579 or online.