The FAQs will help your Initial Consultation be more productive and will save you time.

Initial Consultation:

How long is the Initial Consultation?
One hour.
It is important that you arrive at the office 15 minutes early. If you need more then one consultation prior to you retaining our Law Firm, there is a fee of $400.00 per hour for each meeting. There is a limit of 2 additional consultations prior to retaining our Law Firm. The consultations will only be for discussions regarding your legal issue. The Law Firm will not advise, process or represent you with regard to your legal issue until retained as legal counsel.

How can I get the most out of my Initial Consultation?
Our Family Law Firm is very busy and time is very precious. In preparation for your Initial Consultation write out a list of questions. Even if you think the questions are too simple; write them out. Write out a sequence of events that pertain to your legal issue including: dates, places and anyone who was or is involved. If you've done research into your legal issue, bring it. Bring any documents pertaining to your issue. This could also include pictures, video, paper documents. Make copies of ALL documents including your list of questions, written sequence of events and research. Bring both the originals and the copies to your Initial Consultation. If you decide to retain the Law Office, Attorney B J Fadem may ask for either the original or the copies of your documents. This will save you time and will speed up the process for the staff to establish your file or if your case requires it, to act immediately on it. Either way, you will also have copies or originals of what you gave to the office for your records. Review all the FAQ's prior to your Initial Consultation.

Money Questions:

My initial retainer is used up. What happens if I can't pay my bill?
This Law Firm does not carry any accounts. First you will be contacted by Kathy Gentry, Admin Executive to see if the situation can be resolved before this Law Firm files a Withdrawal and no longer represents you.

If your balance on your account becomes 60 days past due, no matter the amount due, then our office will give you the option to pay an additional retainer to your account. This retainer will be determined by Attorney B J Fadem. However, if you keep your account current the additional retainer will not be requested. Once the additional retainer is requested you will have 5 days to replenish your account or a Substitution of Attorney will be signed and filed with the Court and the Law Office of B J Fadem will no longer represent you in your legal case. The Opposing Side will be notified immediately.

When do I have to pay my bill?
Upon receipt of your statement. Statements are generated around the 10th of each month.

How can I pay my bill?
By check, by debit card, Master Card, Visa, American Express, Discover Card, cash, and you may walk in any payment. You may have anyone pay your account for you who may be assisting you financially. However, the responsibility of your account being paid on time is yours.

How am I charged?
The following rates are:
Attorney B J Fadem $400.00 per hour
Associate Attorney Ann Larson $325.00 per hour
Of Counsel Attorney Mark Shebby $325.00 per hour
Paralegal Tad Prizant $185.00 per hour
Law Clerk Brenda Martinez $100.00 per hour

Any and all services that Attorney, Associate Attorney, Paralegal, Legal Assistant and Law Clerk perform on behalf of Client is billable time.

Costs will include, but are not limited to, one or all of the following:
[THIS IS A GENERAL LIST]

Court filing fees [these fees are regulated by the Courts requirements]
Service of process [these fees are regulated by the requirements of the Serve
CPA evaluation/tax analysis [Client will be advised in advance]
Subpoenas [these fees are regulated by the requirements of the Serve]
Photocopies $ .20 per page
Fax $2.00 per page
Postage/delivery costs
Courier Service
Service of Process/Deliveries of Depositions
Vocational Evaluations
Expert Witnesses
Transcripts needed
Appraisals
Investigator
Parking Fees/Bridge Tolls

What if I have questions about my statement?
If you have any disputes regarding your statement you must call the office immediately and speak to our office. We will be able to answer any of your questions regarding your statement. This must be done in writting within 30 days of receipt of that month's statement or you waive your right to any dispute and are responsible for payment of that statement. You must also follow up any concerns in writing within 30 days of receipt of that months statement.

[THIS IS A GENERAL LIST]
What are some common billable services?
Any Court appearance: 1.50 minimum
Attorney Client meetings: 1.00 minimum
Telephone conferences: .20 minimum
review of Client file: .25 hour minimum
All letters from Attorney: .25 minimum
Attorney review Client email: .20 minimum
Review of incoming faxes or documents .20 minimum
Update Client file for Court Hearing .60 minimum
Court run by staff .60 minimum

Office Questions:

What are the office hours?
Monday thru Thur: 9:00 to 12:00, 1:00 to 5:00 Friday 9:00 to 3:30

General Questions:

What does Certified in Family Law mean?
Attorney B J Fadem has been a Certified Specialist by the California State Bar since 1999. Its comparable to hiring a general doctor verses hiring a specialist. It requires a lot of training, passing an additional test and other requirements set by the California State Bar. There are not many Attorneys who are Specialists in Family Law in California due to the fact that the requirements are very strict.

Why is my case taking so long?

There are many factors and many parties that effect the process of your case. Our Law Firm only has control over what we do. We do not have control over the other parties and or their counsel or the Courts. We understand that you may want this situation over and done with but circumstances that we have no control over may keep this from happening.

Depending on your legal issues many situations can complicate the issue.  For example in a Divorce: The numerous factors may include:

    * Custody & Visitation
    * Child Support
    * Spousal Support
    * Property Division & Characterization
    * Domestic Violence
    * Restraining Orders
    * International Jurisdiction

Delays may also include:
    *Discovery (getting) formal information from the other side
    *Judges calendar
    *if Custody is contested and needs to be pursued through an assessment or                Custody Evaluation
    *Numerous ‘Motions’ necessary to be filed on your behalf because Opposing              Party and/or Opposing Attorney refuses to cooperate
    *Can take several years. Can ‘bifurcate’

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions. This may help you prepare for your Initial Consultation.