The example table below sets out potential flat rates on a task-by-task basis. Where something is so common that its cost can be predicted, it is listed as a flat rate. Other costs stick to the hourly rate, where it is harder to make one-size-fits-all estimates.
A. Communications
| TASK | DEFINITION | RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Client Phone Calls | Phone calls with a client or interpreter for the client, regardless of the subject matter. | Up to 0.3 hours per day: $0 Time after 0.3 hours: $250 per hour |
| Phone Calls (generally) | Phone calls with any third party, including opposing counsel or witnesses, regardless of subject matter. | $250/hour |
| Internal discussions | Discussions with others within the firm or attorneys consulting with the firm, either for a limited purpose or pursuant to contract | $0 |
| Informative Written Communications | Emails, Texts, or Letters which require no response or action by the attorney | $0 |
| Responsive Written Communications | Emails, Texts, or Letters which require a response or action by the attorney | Reading and reviewing the communication: $0 Time spent responding to the communication: $250 per hour |
B. Document Preparation
| TASK | DEFINITION | RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation of Complaint for Divorce | Initiating document for a divorce, with or without children. Includes discussions with client to gather underlying information for the Complaint | $500 per document. Does not include rates for the preparation of Exhibits (below) |
| Preparation of Petition for Contempt | Initiating document for contempt proceedings. | $500 per document. Does not include rates for the preparation of Exhibits (below) |
| Preparation of Other Civil Complaint | Initiating document for any other civil claim. | $500 per document. Does not include rates for the preparation of Exhibits (below) |
| Preparation of Amendment to Existing Complaint or Petition | Documents which amend a Petition or Complaint for whatever reason, which may include adding new claims, removing existing claims, or making corrections | $150 per document. Does not include rates for the preparation of Exhibits (below) |
| Preparation of Discovery Requests | Drafting of Interrogatories, Document Requests, or Requests for Admission to send to an opposing party. | 250 per document. Rate includes discussion with client of up to 0.5 of an hour for the task. |
| Preparation of Administrative Motions | Motions which seek to set or continue a hearing date, set a scheduling order, or address a clerical issue without the need for testimony or evidence. | $50 per document. |
| Preparation of Motions with Limited Testimony or Evidence | Motions of any kind which require limited evidence or may reasonably be resolved with up to fifteen (15) minutes of argument or testimony in court | $200 per document. Does not include rates for the preparation of Exhibits (below) |
| Preparation of Motions with Extensive Testimony or Legal Issues | Motions of any kind which rely on evidence, testimony, and/or legal issues which may not reasonably be resolved in less than fifteen (15) minutes of argument or testimony in court | $300 per document. Does not include rates for the preparation of Exhibits (below) |
| Preparation of Dispositive Motions | A “Dispositive Motion” is a Motion which, if granted, can resolve a claim for relief or an entire case. This includes Motions to Dismiss and Motions for Summary Judgment | $500 per document. |
| Preparation of Exhibits or Affidavits for filing | Exhibits, Affidavits, or other evidence to supplement a Motion or Pleading | $50 per Exhibit $125 per Affidavit |
| Preparation of Orders | Agreed Orders or Contested Orders with or without an associated Motion | $250 per hour. |
| Preparation of Responses to Motions or Memoranda filed by an Opposing Party | Motions filed by opposing parties may require a written Response. This includes the drafting of such a response. | $250 per hour. No separate rate for the preparation of Exhibits, which is included in the hourly rate here. |
| Preparation of Marital Dissolution Agreement | A “Martial Dissolution Agreement” or “MDA” is the underlying document used for an agreed divorce. It can be a proposal or a final agreement for both parties’ signature. | $250 per document. Includes modifications by client prior to submission or filing. |
| Preparation of Permanent Parenting Plan | A “Permanent Parenting Plan” or “PPP” is the underlying document used for setting out custody and child support for children between two parties. It can be a proposal or a final agreement for both parties’ signature. | $250 per hour. |
| Amendments to Marital Dissolution Agreement or Permanent Parenting Plan | Any changes to an underlying MDA or PPP. The changes can be to a document drafted by another party or changes to a document as part of a negotiation. |
C. Document Review
| TASK | DEFINITION | RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Review of Motions or Memoranda filed by an Opposing Party | Review of anything filed into court by an opposing party regardless of whether the filing requires a written response. | $250 per hour. |
| Review of Answers to Discovery | Review of answers to written discovery received from opposing party. Client notification is required prior to beginning any such review. | $250 per hour. Client approval required for review exceeding 2.0 hours. |
| File review | Review of an existing case file, either from the present litigation or from a prior case involving one or more of the parties. | $250 per hour for files not previously reviewed. |
D. Hearings and Conferences
| TASK | DEFINITION | RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Travel time | Travel time for a court appearance or for any other matter reasonably requiring in-person attendance. | $125 per hour. |
| Court hearing | Attendance at court for a hearing, including time spent in attendance waiting through the Court’s docket. | First 2.0 hours: $300 Each subsequent 1.0 hour: $250. |
| Mediation | Attendance at mediation, whether remote or in-person | First 2.0 hours: $300 Each subsequent 1.0 hour: $250. |
| Depositions | Attendance at a deposition of a witness, whether remote or in-person. | $1,000 for the first 4.0 hours $1,000 for each subsequent 4.0 hours |
Caskey Legal, PLLC 