Attorney’s Fees in Divorce and Family Law Matters
We are Here to Help You
Hiring a lawyer to handle your divorce or other family law matter can be very expensive. Attorney’s fees may add up quickly depending on your needs or the actions of the opposing party or often their attorney. This is why we are extremely dedicated to providing you with honest, transparent, and accurate information about the nature of legal fees while at the same time, providing you with the highest quality representation at affordable costs.
Attorney’s Fees in Family and Marital Law Cases
Under Florida law, attorneys who file cases in the Florida family courts must have a fixed hourly rate fee. Generally, Florida family and marital law cases cannot be based on a contingency fee arrangement. This means that in most situations, the fees the attorney receives cannot be based on the outcome of the case. We provide you with a straightforward, written agreement for legal services that clearly explains our hourly rate. We will discuss this hourly rate with you, as well as the logistics of our fee agreements, and can answer any questions you may have regarding the arrangement. We will not move forward with your family or marital law case until you fully understand and are comfortable with our fees and the associated costs.
Award of Attorney’s Fees & Costs in Family Law Cases
Under Florida law, the courts may award attorney’s fees and costs in marital dissolution, paternity, child custody and support, modification, or enforcement and contempt proceedings. Fees relating to dissolution of marriage cases are controlled by section 61.16, Florida Statutes. Specifically, the court may order one party to pay these amounts on behalf of the other where the parties are in unequal financial positions. The purpose behind this rule is to ensure that both sides have equal access to competent counsel to represent them in divorce or other family law proceedings. Such an award may be made at the end of the proceedings, or even on a temporary or interim basis so that the less financially secure party can be ensured full access to representation throughout the litigation.
Costs are separate from attorney’s fees, and are comprised of the expenses the parties incur in bringing or opposing a lawsuit. Under Florida law, these amounts will be awarded to the prevailing party, and can include: filing fees for briefs, motions, and other documents submitted to the court; expenses incurred in relation to depositions of parties or other witnesses; court reporter fees; and other court costs.
Exception for Enforcement and Contempt Proceedings
It is important to note that notwithhstnding the above, in cases in which an action is brought for enforcement and the court finds that the noncompliant party is without justification in the refusal to follow a court order, the court may not award attorney’s fees, suit money, and costs to the noncompliant party.
We Provide Effective and Affordable Representation
When you are dealing with a difficult and emotional family or marital issue, the last thing you should have to worry about is how to afford protecting your rights and best interests. We are committed to providing you excellent representation at the most affordable price possible. We will always be transparent and straightforward in providing you information on our fee requirements, and will work with you to request an award of attorney’s fees when your budget is limited. We strongly believe that money should not prevent you from obtaining the legal representation you deserve.
Contact Your Tampa Divorce And Family Law Firm Today
Our law firm located in Tampa practices divorce and family law throughout Florida, but primarily represents clients in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Manatee, and Sarasota counties. Wherever you need a team led by an expert attorney who is Board Certified in Marital and Family Law, we stand ready to help. We thank you for taking the time to review our website. Should you have questions or if would like to schedule a consultation at our Tampa office, please contact us at (813) 251-6222.
