Chicago family law / Fees by service
What Emergency Parenting Help Costs in Chicago
Limited-scope representation for emergency parenting matters is 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: Emergency parenting matters
The fee table covers full representation and defined limited-scope tasks in urgent parenting matters. Our usual full-representation fee for an emergency parenting matter 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. Before you engage the firm, the written agreement confirms the fee, the covered work and separate expenses.
| 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: Emergency motion to suspend or restrict parenting time | 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 an emergency motion to restrict or suspend parenting time for you to file
- Presenting the urgent parenting concerns and supporting records named in your agreement within that motion
- Appearing for you at one emergency parenting hearing named in your written agreement
Full representation (initial payment plus monthly payments)
- Drafting documents addressing your urgent parenting concerns within the agreed scope
- Representation at hearings within the agreed scope
- Motions related to the emergency request about your child within the agreed scope
- Phone calls about your matter within the agreed scope
Usually outside the quoted fee
- Court filing costs, paid separately by you and not advanced by the firm
- Expert fees, paid separately by you and not advanced by the firm
- Work outside the agreed scope, discussed with you and confirmed in writing
- Service and evaluation costs, paid separately by you and not advanced by the firm
Factors that move the total
The same case label can involve very different work. These factors shape the scope we quote.
The task you need
Having a motion drafted for you to file is a different engagement from having the firm represent you at a hearing. Limited-scope work is quoted for the defined task you ask the firm to handle.
Existing orders or pending motions
Your current parenting orders and pending motions help define the urgent task to be covered in the written agreement.
Incomplete supporting records
Incomplete records mean more work to gather them. Bring relevant messages, parenting schedules and records concerning your child's safety.
Disputed parenting issues
More disputed parenting issues generally mean more work and a broader scope than an agreed matter.
A contested emergency request
If the other parent disputes your emergency parenting request, more disputed issues, motions and hearings generally mean more work and a broader scope than an agreed matter.
Bring these to your consultation
- Current parenting orders and any pending motions
- A short account of what changed, when it happened and your child's current situation
- Relevant messages and records supporting your safety or parenting concerns
- Information about your child's location and recent parenting exchanges, if relevant
- A description of the task you want the firm to handle
Emergency parenting matters fees
Frequently asked questions
Pricing and process questions, answered in general terms.
How are fees for an emergency parenting matter set?
Our usual full-representation fee for an emergency parenting matter 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. For limited-scope work, drafting an urgent parenting motion for you to file is a flat fee starting at $500, and representing you at one emergency parenting hearing is a flat fee starting at $1,200. The written agreement confirms the fee, the covered work and separate expenses before you engage the firm. Call 312-965-5618 to request a quote.
How do payments work for limited-scope and full representation?
Limited-scope representation is a flat fee and is usually paid up front. In some cases, that fee can be paid in two installments. Our usual full-representation fee for an emergency parenting matter 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. Call 312-965-5618 to request a quote for your emergency parenting matter.
What does full representation cover?
Full representation covers drafting, hearings, motions and phone calls within the agreed scope of your urgent parenting matter. It does not include expert fees or court filing costs. You pay those expenses separately, and the firm does not advance them.
What happens if I need more work after a limited-scope task?
A flat-fee limited-scope engagement covers only the defined task, so drafting a motion for you to file does not also cover appearing for you at a hearing. Another motion, an additional hearing or broader representation is discussed with you and confirmed in writing.
How do I start and request a quote?
Call 312-965-5618 to request a quote and explain the urgent parenting concern you want reviewed. The initial consultation is free for people seeking to hire an attorney. We handle family law matters in Cook, DuPage, Lake and Will counties. The written agreement confirms the fee, the covered work and separate expenses before the firm is engaged.