What is a Retainer?

Hiring a Divorce Attorney

When you hire an attorney for your divorce or other matters of family law, you may be required to make an upfront payment called a retainer. Your retainer helps to formalize the arrangement between you and your attorney, and it will be utilized to compensate your attorney for his or her time and efforts. Each month, the attorney will provide you with an itemized statement of each service rendered and the associated costs. These expenses are then automatically deducted from your retainer account. If there are funds remaining at the conclusion of your case, they will be refunded to you.

If you are asked to pay a retainer when you hire an attorney, it is important to remember that the retainer is still your money. The funds are placed into a designated account and are used to pay your attorney for legal services that he or she provides while handling your case. Many family law attorneys do require a retainer. If the costs of the services provided exceed the amount of your retainer, you may be required to make additional payments. In some cases, payment plans may be set up that will allow you to pay the costs of your divorce over time.

Compassionate DuPage County Divorce Lawyers

At Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC, we generally do require the payment of a retainer in most cases. Our experienced attorneys understand that money can be tight, especially for a financially disadvantaged spouse going through a divorce. Fortunately, the law in Illinois provides for such a situation. If you are unable to hire an attorney because your spouse controls all of your income and assets, we can help you petition the court to order your spouse to provide the funds with which to do so.

Money is a serious concern for many people who are considering a divorce. While you may think that you cannot afford an attorney, the risks of proceeding without professional legal guidance are far too great. A single mistake could cost you tens of thousands of dollars or, worse, proper access to your children.

With our team on your side, you can ensure that all legal issues in your case will be handled correctly. We will make sure all relevant financial information is gathered, giving us a complete picture of your family's finances, including the property you own together with your spouse, any non-marital property owned by either party, the income you both earn, your ongoing expenses, and any other details that could affect your case. We will work with you to negotiate agreements regarding the division of marital property and determine whether spousal support will be a factor in your case. We will ensure that you fully understand the ramifications of the decisions you make and that you will have the financial resources you need going forward.

We can also provide invaluable assistance with matters related to child custody. We can help you make sure your parenting plan will meet all of the applicable legal requirements under Illinois law while protecting your children's best interests. We will also make sure child support is calculated correctly based on your income and your spouse's income while also taking various child-related expenses into account. Representation by a skilled attorney is crucial during your case, and we will work to help you complete your divorce as efficiently as possible.

Contact Our DuPage County Family Law Attorneys

To learn more about how our firm can help you with your divorce, contact our office. Call 630-665-7300 to schedule your confidential consultation at Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC today. We are proud to serve clients in Wheaton, Naperville, Oak Brook, and the rest of DuPage County.