retainer fee
Will I have to pay a retainer?
In most cases, yes, you will have to deposit a retainer fee upfront and sign a retainer agreement for our firm to represent you. Some estate planning matters do not require a retainer deposit.
How much is the retainer fee to get started?
The retainer fee varies based on the type of case. The retainer required is based on several factors determined through the consultation process. For example, a divorce that is complex due to disputes over custody, property, or business ownership, will likely require a higher retainer to establish representation. A divorce involving no children or few contested issues may necessitate a lower retainer to get started. Contact the firm to schedule a free 45-minute consultation to find out what the retainer requirement is for your specific case.
How can I minimize the cost of my divorce (or other family law matters)?
Responsive – reply promptly to minimize staff time to follow up with your and/or the opposing parties. Provide requested documents and statements as quickly as possible.
Organized – by organizing requested documents and statements, you will reduce the time a paralegal will spend managing documents on your case.
Concise – when contacting your attorney or paralegal staff, be as concise as possible in both verbal and written correspondence.
Flexible – be open to negotiating; know your priorities and the issues on which you are willing to compromise.
payment questions?
Do You Accept Credit Cards?
Yes, we accept credit cards.
How do I make a Payment?
Follow this link to process a digital payment: Make Payment
Or use your mobile phone camera to navigate to our LawPay payment portal:
* An automated email will be sent to our office notifying us of your electronic payment. You will also receive confirmation and receipt for your payment via email.
Contact our office for payment assistance at:
(952) 405-2050, extension 2054,
or ask to speak to a paralegal.
What if I have a question about my bill?
All questions about your bill can be directed via email to billing@mnlaw.us or by calling our office (952) 405-2050.
You can also inquire about your bill directly with our attorneys, any paralegal, or legal assistant.
there is never a charge for billing inquiries or assistance with payment processing.
legal fees & costs
How to save on legal fees
Be clear about your priorities and goals; ask the attorney about the likelihood of achieving each goal.
Provide accurate information.
Disclose all of your assets.
Be organized & efficient when meeting with your attorney in person, by video, & by phone.
Create a list of questions or thoughts instead of calling or emailing your attorney with each one.
Respond to questions from your attorney quickly & concisely.
Respond by email instead of by phone whenever possible.
Provide requested documents, statements, & records quickly & digitally if possible.
Ask what tasks or steps you might be able to do yourself.
Follow the legal advice of your attorney.
The final cost of a divorce, for example, varies significantly between couples. When couples can reach settlement agreements for some or all the issues unique to their family & situation, the overall cost should be less than litigating issues through the court. The final cost will largely depend on the number of contested issues in your case & whether mediation, hearings, or trial are necessary to resolve those issues.
During the consultation process, our attorney will provide information about fees and costs related to your unique situation and the dynamics of the parties involved. For reasons unique to each case, it is impossible to provide an estimate of the final cost of your legal proceeding. Our attorney will, however, explain how to reduce costs and methods for reaching agreements, out of court, that may save time & money.
If your matter involves changes to your support obligation, our attorneys will provide a general cost-benefit analysis during the consultation meeting so that you can decide whether or not it is beneficial or necessary to retain an attorney. Our firm can also be retained to provide a detailed calculation if a general cost-benefit analysis is insufficient for deciding on whether or not to pursue a support modification.
Furthermore, during the consultation meeting, our attorney will assess the scope of your case to determine if the work can be done on a flat rate or fixed fee basis. Other options include phase-by-phase scope retention so that you feel comfortable knowing the limit of our involvement in your case.
corporate discount benefit programs
Contact your Human Resources office to see if your company offers either of these employee benefits.