Chicago family law / Fees by service
Fees for Changing a Parenting Order
At Chicago Family Attorneys LLC, limited-scope work to change a parenting order is priced as a flat fee for a defined task.
Initial consultations are free for people seeking to hire an attorney. Your fee is confirmed in writing before you engage the firm.
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Fee structure: Changing a parenting order
For limited-scope help with a parenting order modification, the firm quotes a flat fee for a defined task. Drafting a motion to modify your parenting order for you to file is a flat fee starting at $500, and appearing for you at one hearing is a flat fee starting at $1,200. Each limited-scope quote identifies the particular task covered, rather than representation throughout the case. Our usual full-representation fee for a parenting order modification is an initial payment of $1,500 to $2,500, followed by $500 to $650 per month beginning 30 days after the initial payment while representation remains active, with the written agreement controlling the work covered.
| Service level | How it is billed | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Full representation | Initial payment plus monthly payments | Initial payment of $1,500 to $2,500, then $500 to $650 per month beginning 30 days after the initial payment while representation remains active. |
| Limited scope: Motion to modify parenting time or custody | Flat fee | Drafting: $500. Limited-scope court appearance: $1,200. |
Limited-scope work is billed as a flat fee for a defined task. Full representation is billed as an initial payment plus monthly payments.
Amounts shown for limited-scope work are starting amounts. The final fee depends on the complexity of the task and whether a court appearance or expedited service is required. Limited-scope fees are usually paid up front; in some cases the fee can be paid in two installments.
Full-representation fees cover drafting, hearings, motions and phone calls within the agreed scope. Expert fees and court filing costs are separate, are paid by the client and are not advanced by the firm. The written agreement confirms the fee, the covered work and separate expenses before you engage the firm. Any amount shown is not a quote for your matter.
Limited scope compared with full representation
Both options are confirmed in writing. Compare what each covers before you choose.
Limited scope (flat fee)
- Drafting a motion to change parenting time
- Drafting a motion to change decision-making or another parenting term
- Appearing for you at a specified hearing on your modification request
Full representation (initial payment plus monthly payments)
- Drafting documents for your requested parenting changes, with all representation limited to the agreed scope
- Preparing and handling motions about the parenting terms you want to change
- Representing you at hearings on your request to change parenting time or decision-making
- Phone calls about your modification matter, within the scope of your written agreement
Usually outside the quoted fee
- Court filing costs, which you pay separately and the firm does not advance
- Expert fees, which you pay separately and the firm does not advance
- Evaluations and service costs, which you pay separately and the firm does not advance
- Work outside the scope stated in your written agreement, which is discussed and confirmed in writing
Factors that move the total
The same case label can involve very different work. These factors shape the scope we quote.
Terms you want to change
A request to adjust a parenting schedule may involve different work than a request to change decision-making or several parenting terms. The written agreement defines which requested changes the firm will address.
Agreement or disputed details
Whether you and the other parent agree on the proposed changes affects the preparation needed. Disputed schedule details or decision-making terms may require additional motions or hearings.
Records to review
Your existing order, prior modifications and records related to the changes you are requesting help define the work. The amount of material needing review can affect the agreed scope.
Court work involved
Drafting a motion for you to file is a different engagement from handling the modification matter through hearings. The written agreement identifies which court-related tasks the firm will handle.
Related concerns
If you want help with another parenting issue, that different task is discussed and confirmed in writing.
Bring these to your consultation
- Your signed parenting order and any later orders changing it
- The parenting schedule you currently follow
- A written outline of the parenting terms you want to change
- Dated examples and relevant communications explaining your requested changes
- Any pending motions or hearing notices related to the parenting order
Changing a parenting order fees
Frequently asked questions
Pricing and process questions, answered in general terms.
How much does it cost to modify a parenting plan?
You can request a drafting-only engagement, an appearance at a specified modification hearing or full representation within an agreed scope. Drafting a motion to change your parenting order for you to file is a flat fee starting at $500, and appearing for you at one modification hearing is a flat fee starting at $1,200. Our usual full-representation fee for your parenting order modification is an initial payment of $1,500 to $2,500, followed by $500 to $650 per month beginning 30 days after the initial payment while representation remains active. To discuss which scope you want and request a quote, call 312-965-5618.
How do payments work for limited-scope representation?
For changing a parenting order, a limited-scope flat fee may cover drafting a modification motion for you to file or appearing for you at one modification hearing. It is usually paid up front, although in some cases the fee can be paid in two installments.
What does the full-representation fee cover?
Full representation uses an initial payment plus monthly payments and covers drafting, motions, hearings and phone calls about your requested parenting changes within the agreed scope. Our usual full-representation fee for changing a parenting order is an initial payment of $1,500 to $2,500, followed by $500 to $650 per month beginning 30 days after the initial payment while representation remains active. Expert fees and court filing costs are separate, paid by you and not advanced by the firm. Work outside the scope stated in your written agreement is discussed and confirmed in writing.
How do I know what my quote covers?
When you review a quote for changing a parenting order, look at the work it covers, not only the payment due at the start. Ask whether the quote covers drafting only, a particular hearing or full representation for your parenting order modification. The written agreement confirms the fee, the covered work and separate expenses before you engage the firm.
How do I request a quote?
Call 312-965-5618 to request a quote for changing your parenting order. The initial consultation is free for people seeking to hire an attorney. We focus only on family law and serve Cook, DuPage, Lake and Will counties. Prepare your current order and a clear description of the changes you want so we can discuss the work to be quoted.