Chicago family law / Fees by service
What Limited-Scope Family Representation Costs in Chicago
Limited-scope representation uses a flat fee for a defined family law task, rather than representation throughout your case.
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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Initial consultations are free for people seeking to hire an attorney. Representation fees and the scope of work are confirmed separately.
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Fee structure: Limited-scope family representation
Your limited-scope representation cost depends on the task you ask us to handle. Other defined drafting tasks are quoted separately after a consultation. Before the firm is engaged, the written agreement confirms your fee, the covered work and separate expenses.
| Service level | How it is billed | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Full representation | Initial payment plus monthly payments | Quoted after a consultation. Call 312-965-5618 for a quote. |
| Limited scope: Petition for allocation of parental responsibilities (start or respond to a custody case) | Flat fee | Drafting: $500. Limited-scope court appearance: $1,200. |
| Limited scope: Motion for temporary parenting time | Flat fee | Drafting: $500. Limited-scope court appearance: $1,200. |
| Limited scope: Motion to modify parenting time or custody | Flat fee | Drafting: $500. Limited-scope court appearance: $1,200. |
| Limited scope: Emergency motion to suspend or restrict parenting time | Flat fee | Drafting: $500. Limited-scope court appearance: $1,200. |
| Limited scope: Petition for an order of protection | Flat fee | Drafting: $500. Limited-scope court appearance: $1,200. |
| Limited scope: Affidavit or sworn statement drafting | Flat fee | $500 flat fee. |
| Limited scope: Response to a petition or court motion | Flat fee | $500 flat fee. |
| Limited scope: Discovery and evidence preparation (drafting only) | Flat fee | Starting at $500. |
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 family representation services: read the service page
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 for you to file
- Appearing for you at the hearing defined in your agreement
- Preparing another defined document under a separate task-specific quote
Full representation (initial payment plus monthly payments)
- Document drafting within the agreed scope
- Hearings within the agreed scope
- Motion preparation within the agreed scope
- Phone calls about your case within the agreed scope
Usually outside the quoted fee
- Additional documents or hearings outside your written agreement
- Ongoing handling of your case beyond the defined task
- Court filing costs, paid by you and not advanced by the firm
- Expert fees, paid 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.
Drafting or appearance
Preparing documents and representing you at a hearing are different tasks. Your quote identifies which work the flat fee covers.
Documents requested
The documents you need and the issues they must address affect the drafting scope. Bring any existing drafts so we can discuss what remains to be prepared.
Hearing issues
The issues scheduled for the hearing and the preparation they call for help define the appearance quote. Share the hearing notice and related papers during your consultation.
Records to review
Existing orders, filings and supporting records help us assess the work involved. The amount and relevance of those materials can affect the quoted task.
Changes to the task
An additional motion, document or hearing may fall outside your original agreement. Ask us to confirm the added work and its fee in writing before adding work.
Bring these to your consultation
- A description of the document you need or the hearing you want us to attend
- Current court orders and relevant filings
- Any hearing notice and papers related to that hearing
- Existing drafts and records relevant to the requested task
- Questions about payment terms for your requested task
Limited-scope family representation fees
Frequently asked questions
Pricing and process questions, answered in general terms.
What does the flat fee cover?
The flat fee covers the defined task in your written agreement, such as drafting a motion or appearing at a specific hearing. It does not cover your entire case unless you separately engage the firm for full representation. For a hearing appearance, the covered task identifies the hearing you want us to attend.
How does payment work for limited-scope representation?
Limited-scope work is usually paid up front. In some cases, the fee can be paid in two installments. Your written agreement confirms the payment terms for your task.
What if I need help beyond the original task?
An added motion or another hearing may require a new flat-fee quote and agreement. Ask us to confirm the added task and its fee in writing before adding work. For ongoing help, full representation uses an initial payment plus monthly payments.
Can I hire the firm only to draft a motion?
You can ask us to quote a flat fee for drafting a motion for you to file. Your agreement states that you will file the motion yourself, and you can ask which steps remain your responsibility. A drafting engagement does not include a hearing appearance unless that work is also included in the agreement.
How do I request a quote for limited-scope help in Cook, DuPage, Lake or Will County?
Call 312-965-5618 for a quote and identify the motion you need drafted or the hearing you want us to attend. The initial consultation is free for people seeking to hire an attorney.