Consultation Process and Fees
Understanding What to Expect When Working With the Law Office of Neveen Kurtom
Family law matters are often among the most personal and important legal issues a person will face. Whether you are considering divorce, facing a custody dispute, seeking a modification of an existing order, or responding to a protective order, obtaining informed legal guidance early in the process can make a significant difference.
Attorney Neveen Kurtom believes that clients deserve clear communication regarding both the legal process and the financial aspects of representation. The goal is to ensure that prospective clients understand what to expect before making decisions about their case.
The Initial Consultation
The consultation is the first opportunity for Attorney Neveen Kurtom to learn about your situation, evaluate potential legal issues, and discuss possible next steps. Unlike a brief intake call, the consultation is a substantive legal meeting designed to provide meaningful guidance regarding your circumstances.
During the consultation, Attorney Kurtom may:
Review the facts of your case
Discuss your legal concerns and goals
Explain applicable Maryland law
Identify potential strengths and challenges
Review relevant documents
Answer questions regarding the court process
Discuss possible legal strategies
Explain potential costs and timelines
The consultation allows both the attorney and prospective client to determine whether representation is appropriate and whether the firm is the right fit for the matter.
Why Is There a Consultation Fee?
Many legal issues cannot be properly evaluated in a brief telephone conversation. Family law matters often require review of court orders, financial records, custody schedules, pleadings, settlement proposals, and other documentation before meaningful guidance can be provided.
The consultation fee compensates for the attorney's time, legal analysis, and preparation. More importantly, it ensures that clients receive individualized attention and substantive guidance rather than a brief screening conversation. Similar consultation models are commonly used by attorneys handling complex matters that require legal analysis and strategy discussions.
Preparing for Your Consultation
To make the most of your consultation, prospective clients should gather any documents that may be relevant to their case.
Examples may include:
Divorce Matters
Financial statements
Tax returns
Pay stubs
Retirement account statements
Property information
Custody Matters
Existing custody orders
Parenting schedules
School records
Communication records
Relevant court filings
Support Matters
Income information
Childcare expenses
Health insurance costs
Prior support orders
Protective Order Cases
Protective order petitions
Temporary orders
Police reports
Relevant communications
Providing documents in advance, when requested, allows for a more productive consultation.
What Happens After the Consultation?
Following the consultation, there are generally several possible outcomes.
You May Decide Not to Pursue Legal Action
Sometimes clients simply need information regarding their rights and options. In those situations, the consultation itself may provide the guidance needed to make an informed decision.
You May Need Additional Time to Consider Your Options
Many family law decisions are significant and should not be rushed. Clients are encouraged to take the time necessary to determine the best path forward.
The Firm May Offer Representation
If representation is appropriate, Attorney Kurtom will discuss the scope of services, anticipated fees, and the next steps required to move forward.
Attorney Fees
Most family law matters handled by the firm are billed on an hourly basis. This billing structure is often appropriate because family law cases vary significantly in complexity. Some matters resolve quickly through negotiation, while others involve extensive litigation, discovery, court hearings, and trial preparation. Hourly billing allows fees to reflect the actual work performed on a particular case.
Services commonly billed may include:
Court appearances
Legal research
Drafting pleadings and motions
Discovery and document review
Negotiations with opposing counsel
Client conferences and communications
Trial preparation
The firm will explain its current hourly rates and billing policies before representation begins.
Retainers
Many family law matters require an advance retainer. A retainer is not a flat fee. Rather, it is an advance deposit against future legal services. As work is performed, fees and costs are billed against the retainer in accordance with the representation agreement.
The amount of the retainer depends upon factors such as:
Complexity of the case
Nature of the issues involved
Anticipated litigation
Whether emergency court action is required
The amount of preparation expected
Because every case is unique, retainers are determined on a case-by-case basis.
Additional Costs
In addition to attorney fees, clients may incur costs associated with their case, including:
Court filing fees
Service of process fees
Mediation fees
Expert witness fees
Custody evaluation costs
Deposition expenses
Record retrieval fees
The firm strives to discuss anticipated costs whenever possible so that clients can make informed decisions regarding their case.
Transparency and Communication
One of the firm's core principles is ensuring that clients understand both the legal and financial aspects of their case. Attorney Neveen Kurtom believes that informed clients are better positioned to make effective decisions. Throughout representation, clients receive communication regarding developments in their case, upcoming deadlines, and the work being performed on their behalf.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are facing a divorce, custody dispute, support issue, protective order matter, or another family law concern, the first step is understanding your rights and options.
Contact the Law Office of Neveen Kurtom at (301) 356-4423 to schedule a consultation and discuss your situation with an experienced Maryland family law attorney.
Important Notice
The consultation does not create an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship is established only after the firm has completed a conflict check and both the attorney and client have signed a written engagement agreement.
