Posted on May 18, 2008 by Kysa Crusco

Guardian Ad Litem fees in New Hampshire

When parties disagree about the parenting rights and responsibilities of each parent, often the court appoints a Guardian Ad Litem. This adds an additional time and cost to a divorce or parenting case. As with attorney fees, the cost of GAL can vary depending on the rate that he charges and the time demanded by the complexity of the case. 

A GAL can be paid through "private pay" or through the "court fund."  When a GAL is paid through a"private pay" case, the court's order of appointment apportions the payment of the GAL's retainer. The cost is not always split 50/50, and the division of the fees is reviewable at a final hearing. In New Hampshire, the retainer usually ranges between $1,000 and $1,500. Additionally, the hourly rate varies from $60 to $100 per hour.

When one or both parties cannot afford to pay for the GAL, the court may order the payment of services from the Guardian ad Litem court fund. When a party qualifies to use the court fund, the GAL is paid for her fees through the court's fund. However, a party is required to contact the New Hampshire Office of Cost Containment to determine their ability to repay the fund for their share of the GAL services in their case.

 

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Posted on April 30, 2008 by Kysa Crusco

Attorney's fees in family law

Divorce is a time of great financial stress on a family. Throughout the process, the family often maintains separate households, has debts that need to be paid, and then also need to pay an attorney. Before you hire an attorney, you should have a clear understanding of the fees that you will be charged, as well as what expenses you will be responsible for. It is always best to sign a fee agreement, which will outline the fees, expenses and retainers.

Family law attorneys and their staff generally charge by the hour in increments such as every six minutes. You will be billed for any time spent on your case, including meetings, emails, drafting pleadings and correspondence, telephone calls, hearing preparation, travel and waiting time at court. Hourly rates vary widely, depending mostly on experience. Family law attorneys cannot charge contingent fees where they are paid by a percentage of an amount recovered (for example a portion of a child support arrearage).

A client will often be asked to provide a retainer, which is a sum of money paid up front to secure payment of any fees that are incurred. A retainer will range from very small ($500) to very large ($10,000) depending on the attorney that you hire and the level of complexity of your case. Although most retainers or the unused portion of the retainer are refundable, sometimes the retainer is not refundable.

Finally, attorneys will charge for a variety of expenses, including filing fees, sheriff fees, long distance phone calls, fax fees, copies, postage and mileage. Generally, if the fee relates to your case, whether it be a $21.00 fee from the sheriff for serving papers or a $500.00 fee from a stenographer for a deposition, you will be charged for the expense.

 

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