Divorce Retainer Agreement

DIVORCE RETAINER AGREEMENT

This Divorce Retainer Agreement (the Agreement) is entered into on by and between: Client Name: Client Address: ; and Attorney: , Attorney Address: .

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Client seeks legal representation to commence or defend a legal proceeding for dissolution of marriage, including related matters of custody, support, property division, and attorney's fees arising in ; and

WHEREAS, Client has requested that Attorney provide legal services in connection with such dissolution and Attorney has agreed to provide such services in accordance with the terms set forth herein; and

WHEREAS, the parties desire to set forth in writing their agreement as to the scope of representation, fees, costs, and the respective duties and obligations of the parties.

NOW, THEREFORE

In consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the parties agree as follows:

1. ENGAGEMENT; SCOPE OF REPRESENTATION

Attorney is retained to provide legal services to Client for the dissolution of marriage matter identified above and reasonably related ancillary matters, specifically:

Legal representation in divorce proceeding (trial and hearings).

Temporary matters including temporary custody, temporary support, and related emergency relief.

Negotiation and settlement of property division, spousal support, child support, and parenting plans.

The representation does not include appeals, tax advice, or separate enforcement proceedings beyond reasonable post-judgment collection unless specifically agreed in writing. Any additional services will require a written amendment to this Agreement.

2. ATTORNEY'S FEES AND RETAINER

Client agrees to pay Attorney fees as follows (select applicable fee structure):

Hourly billing at the following hourly rates:

Flat-fee arrangement: Flat fee amount:

Client shall pay an initial retainer to be deposited into Attorney's trust account in the amount of . The retainer will be applied to billed fees and costs as incurred. Client understands that the retainer replenishment may be required as fees are billed.

Billing statements will be rendered and payment is due within days of invoice. Overdue balances may incur interest at or the maximum rate permitted by law.

3. COSTS AND EXPENSES

Client is responsible for all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the representation, including but not limited to filing fees, process service, court reporter fees, expert fees, investigation costs, postage, photocopying, courier services, travel, and electronic research services. Such costs will be billed separately and are the responsibility of Client whether incurred before or after termination of this Agreement.

Third-party vendors may require direct payment or deposits. Attorney may, in Attorney's discretion, advance reasonable costs, for which Client will promptly reimburse Attorney upon demand.

4. CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Client agrees to cooperate fully, to provide all information and documents relevant to the representation, to be candid and truthful with Attorney, to attend meetings and court appearances as requested, and to promptly notify Attorney of any change in address, telephone number, employment, or any fact material to the representation.

5. CONFLICTS; INFORMED CONSENT

Client represents that Client is not aware of any conflict of interest that would prevent Attorney from representing Client. Client agrees to notify Attorney immediately if information arises that could create a conflict. Attorney reserves the right to withdraw if a conflict is discovered that cannot be cured or waived.

Conflict waiver (if applicable): Client acknowledges receipt of full disclosure regarding any potential conflict and grants informed consent where indicated:

Client knowingly waives the disclosed conflict and consents to Attorney's representation.

6. WITHDRAWAL AND TERMINATION

Attorney may withdraw from representation for good cause, including nonpayment of fees or breakdown of the attorney-client relationship, subject to applicable rules of professional conduct and court approval where required. Client may terminate Attorney's services at any time upon written notice. Termination does not relieve Client of responsibility for fees and costs incurred prior to termination, including costs necessary to wind up the matter.

7. FILES AND RECORDS; RETENTION

Upon conclusion of the matter and after payment of outstanding fees and costs, Attorney may retain Client's file in accordance with Attorney's document retention policy. Client may request copies of the file; Attorney may charge for the cost of reproduction. If Client does not retrieve physical property or request electronic copies within years, Attorney may destroy the file in accordance with professional obligations.

8. CONFIDENTIALITY AND ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGE

All communications between Client and Attorney are confidential and are subject to the attorney-client privilege, except as otherwise provided by law. Client authorizes Attorney to take such steps as necessary to protect Client's confidences and privileged information. Client consents to Attorney's use of secure electronic communications for routine correspondence unless Client requests otherwise in writing.

9. DISPUTE RESOLUTION; BILLING DISPUTES

The parties agree to negotiate in good faith to resolve any billing disputes. If the parties cannot resolve a fee dispute, they may submit the dispute to binding arbitration or a fee dispute resolution program as provided by applicable law. Selection of arbitration shall be by mutual written agreement; absent agreement, applicable statutory fee dispute resolution procedures shall govern.

10. NOTICE

All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses set forth below by personal delivery, certified mail (return receipt requested), or nationally recognized overnight courier. Notices are effective upon receipt.

11. AMENDMENTS; WAIVER; COUNTERPARTS

This Agreement may be amended only by a writing signed by both parties. No waiver of any provision will be effective unless in writing and signed by the party waiving compliance. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one instrument.

12. GOVERNING LAW; ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SEVERABILITY

This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of , without regard to its conflicts of law principles. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties concerning the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

13. CLIENT ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Client acknowledges that Client has read this Agreement, understands its contents, has had an opportunity to ask questions, and consents to the terms herein. Client acknowledges receipt of a copy of this Agreement.

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