As far as the total cost of a family lawyer in Oklahoma, there is no single answer for how much a lawyer will cost. This is because the answer can vary depending on a variety of different factors, such as the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, the type of law(s) involved, and the location of the firm, to name a few.
In order to understand what goes into the cost of a family lawyer, you must first understand what a family lawyer is. On the most basic level, the term family lawyer refers to a lawyer who handles family law matters.
In Oklahoma, a family lawyer is defined as a legal professional who handles family law matters, which include issues such as the Oklahoma divorce process, child custody, child support, adoption, guardianship, and other domestic relations matters. Family law in Oklahoma is governed by Title 43 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which covers marriage, divorce, child custody, and support.
Oftentimes, family law issues can be complicated matters. However, this does not mean family law matters, such as divorce, always have to be complicated and expensive. In fact, there are many different ways to avoid the costs and common pitfalls associated with family law cases.
What Factors Are Used in Calculating Family Lawyer Fees?
There are numerous different factors that may impact the total cost of a family lawyer in Oklahoma. Factors that may impact the total amount of attorney’s fees in a family law case include:
- Time and Labor Required: The amount of time and effort needed to handle the case is always the biggest factor in lawyer’s fees
- It is important to understand an attorney’s hourly fees, as well as their supportive staff’s fees, prior to entering into any hourly fee agreement
- The Attorney’s Experience and Reputation: More experienced and well-known lawyers often charge higher fees than lawyers with less experience
- The Complexity of the Case: Cases involving complex issues, such as high-asset divorces or contentious custody battles, typically require more time and resources, which increase the total cost
- Geographic Location: Legal fees can also vary depending on the location
- Lawyers located in more populous and expensive cities, such as Oklahoma City, Tulsa, or Norman, may charge more than attorneys who live in more rural areas where the cost of living and operating is less
- Hourly Rate vs. Flat Fee: Some lawyers will charge an hourly rate, while others may offer flat fee arrangements for certain services, that fee structure will then impact the total cost
- Court Fees: Filing fees, court costs, and other administrative expenses can also add to the overall cost of an attorney
- Discovery Costs: Costs associated with gathering evidence, such as conducting depositions, subpoenas, and expert witnesses, can also increase the total cost
- Mediation or Arbitration Fees: If the case goes through alternative dispute resolution, there may be additional costs for mediators or arbitrators
- These costs may be split between the parties or ordered to be paid by one party
- Travel Expenses: If the lawyer needs to travel for court appearances or meetings, travel expenses may also be added to the total cost
- Additional Services: Finally, day-to-day operation services such as document preparation, legal research, and consultations may come with extra charges
According to Clio, Lawyers in Oklahoma typically charge between $126 and $756 per hour, with the average being $257. Family lawyers, on average, charge $267 per hour.
What Is the Average Retainer Fee for a Family Lawyer?
The average retainer fee for a family lawyer in Oklahoma typically ranges from $3,500 to $5,000. A retainer fee refers to an upfront payment that is made to secure the lawyer’s services and have them take on the case.
In essence, retainer fees are a deposit that is applied towards the total cost of legal representation as the case progresses. The retainer fee is placed in an escrow account, and the lawyer bills against this retainer as they work on the case.
The purpose of a retainer fee is to help ensure that the attorney is compensated for their initial time and effort, and it also demonstrates the client’s commitment to the case. Keep in mind that the above figure is just an estimate, attorney fees, including retainer fees, are hard to predict because each family law case is unique.
What Does a Family Law Attorney Do?
Family law attorneys handle a wide range of issues that concern familial relationships. When it comes to what you can expect from a family law attorney, you should expect your attorney to handle all of the major aspects of your case, including:
- Pre-lawsuit Phase: During this phase, you and your attorney will meet to discuss your specific legal issues and attempt to resolve your case without the necessity of filing a lawsuit
- If your attorney is unable to resolve your case without a lawsuit, the attorney will then assist you in drafting the necessary lawsuit, properly serving your lawsuit on the other party, and pursuing that lawsuit
- Pre-trial Phase: During the pre-trial phase, your attorney will mainly assist you with conducting discovery, which is the formal process by which one party serves requests upon the other party as a means of gathering information to support their civil claims
- An attorney can also represent you at any in-person proceedings prior to a final trial, such as at pre-trial motion hearings or temporary hearings
- For instance, in a custody matter an attorney may represent you during a temporary custody hearing or assist you with obtaining temporary child support while the case is ongoing
- Trial Phase: During the trial phase, your lawyer will be able to represent you in court in front of the judge or jury by arguing your claims, questioning witnesses, and formally introducing evidence gathered in the previous stages of the lawsuit
- Post-trial Phase: After your case has concluded, an attorney may still be involved in the case by ensuring that the order entered into by the court is being followed or ensuring that your order remains in effect
- For instance, an attorney may often be kept on a retainer in order to renew a guardianship or to enforce a child support or custody order
All in all, the main thing that you should expect from a local attorney in Oklahoma is that they will keep you well informed about your case. This means that you should always expect your attorney to inform you of all of your settlement options, possible case resolutions, and their billing. In fact, attorneys are legally obligated to keep you well informed of costs and your case.
What Services Do Family Law Attorneys Provide?
Once again, family law attorneys in Oklahoma provide assistance with a wide range of legal issues that affect families, including:
- Marriage and Divorce: Attorneys can assist with the legal processes for getting married, obtaining a divorce, and other related matters such as annulment and separation
- Child Custody and Visitation: Attorneys can assist with determining who will have legal and physical custody of the children and establishing visitation schedules
- Child Support: Attorneys can also assist with calculating and enforcing financial support for children from both parents
- Alimony: Attorneys also may be used to assist with determining whether or not spousal support payments are necessary during and after a divorce
- Adoption: Attorneys can also assist with the legal processes for adopting a child and the rights and responsibilities of adoptive parents
- Parental Rights: Attorneys also provide services related to parental rights and responsibilities, including cases of parental relocation and visitation rights
- Domestic Violence: Attorneys also provide services related to obtaining legal protections and remedies for victims of domestic violence, including restraining orders and custody considerations
- Paternity: Attorneys can also assist with establishing legal paternity and handling child support obligations
Some attorneys who practice family law choose to devote their attention even further in one subject. For example, some attorneys may focus on adoptions, while others may solely focus on divorce. Attorneys may even further specialize by obtaining bar certifications.
Are There Any Advantages of Hiring a Family Lawyer?
Yes, there are many advantages to hiring a family lawyer in Oklahoma. First and foremost, a family lawyer will have knowledge of Oklahoma’s specific laws and procedures related to family issues.
This means that they will be able to provide you with impartial and sound legal advice, which is crucial during emotionally charged family situations. A lawyer will also be able to help you navigate the legal system efficiently, which will save you time and reduce stress.
An attorney will also ensure all legal documents are correctly prepared and filed, which will help you to avoid costly mistakes in the present and future. Family lawyers can also negotiate settlements effectively, potentially avoiding lengthy court battles. Finally, hiring a family lawyer ensures that your rights are protected and increases the likelihood of you obtaining a favorable case outcome.
Do I Need an Attorney for Help With Family Law Issues?
If you are involved in a case that involves a family law issue, then it is recommended that you immediately consult with an experienced Oklahoma family lawyer. There are numerous issues that may arise in a family law case that require a thorough understanding of both local and state civil laws and procedures.
LegalMatch can assist you in locating and setting up an attorney consultation with an experienced attorney in your area. That attorney can then advise you of your legal rights and options. Importantly, family law cases involving children often deal with child support orders, which can greatly impact your finances for up to or more than 18 years.
As such, a lawyer will almost always be worth their fees in the long term in cases that involve a child. They can help ensure that your parental rights are protected throughout the custody proceedings. Further, a lawyer can also provide you with the best course of legal action. Finally, an attorney will also be able to represent you in court, as needed.
