Family Law Petition Retainer

FAMILY LAW PETITION RETAINER

This Family Law Petition Retainer Agreement (Agreement) is made effective as of by and between Client Name: whose primary address is and Attorney or Firm Name: , Bar Number: , whose office is located at .

Recitals

WHEREAS, Client seeks legal representation to initiate and prosecute a family law petition concerning matters including but not limited to dissolution of marriage, custody, parenting time, child support, spousal support, property division, and ancillary relief (the Matter); and

WHEREAS, Attorney represents that Attorney is duly admitted and licensed to practice law and has experience in family law matters and agrees to provide legal services on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, Client desires to retain Attorney and Attorney desires to accept such retention under the terms herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties agree as follows:

1. Scope of Engagement

1.1 Attorney will provide legal services to Client in the Matter described above. Services may include consultation, preparation and filing of pleadings and petitions, negotiation, discovery, attendance at hearings and trial preparation. Attorney does not undertake representation in appeals, enforcement of orders, or related matters except by separate written agreement.

2. Retainer, Fees and Billing

2.1 Client agrees to pay Attorney a retainer deposit to secure Attorney's availability and to be applied against fees and costs. The initial retainer amount is to be delivered upon execution of this Agreement.

2.2 Fee basis (check applicable): Hourly billing at $ per hour Flat fee of $

2.3 Attorney will render periodic statements for fees and costs. Client is responsible for court fees, process server fees, expert fees, depositions, travel, and other out-of-pocket costs (collectively, Costs). Billing statements are due upon receipt; outstanding balances may accrue interest at a rate of or the maximum permitted by law.

3. Trust Account; Application of Retainer

3.1 Client's retainer will be held in Attorney's trust account and will be applied to outstanding fees and Costs as billed. Attorney will provide an accounting of trust activity upon request and as required by professional obligations.

3.2 If Client fails to replenish the trust balance upon request or otherwise becomes delinquent, Attorney may suspend representation after reasonable notice and opportunity to cure.

4. Client Responsibilities

4.1 Client shall cooperate with Attorney, provide truthful and complete information, attend meetings and hearings, execute documents, and timely pay fees and Costs. Client acknowledges an obligation to preserve and produce documents and to inform Attorney of material developments.

5. Termination of Representation

5.1 Either party may terminate this Agreement upon written notice. Upon termination, Attorney will cease representation, release files as required by law, and provide a final accounting. Client will remain responsible for all fees and Costs incurred through the date of termination and for reasonable wind-down costs.

6. Confidentiality; Conflicts

6.1 Attorney will maintain confidentiality consistent with applicable professional rules. Client acknowledges that Attorney must decline or withdraw from representation if a conflict of interest arises, unless Client provides informed written consent after full disclosure.

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7. Settlement Authority

7.1 Client authorizes Attorney to negotiate on Client's behalf but may not settle the Matter without Client's express written consent, except where Client has granted limited authority below.

Attorney may accept a settlement up to $ without further client approval.

8. Dispute Resolution

8.1 Any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement will, at the election of either party, be submitted to mediation prior to filing litigation. If mediation fails, the dispute may be resolved through binding arbitration if the parties so agree in writing. Nothing in this paragraph limits a party's right to seek provisional relief in court.

9. Notices

9.1 All notices under this Agreement must be in writing and delivered to the addresses below by hand delivery, certified mail, or overnight courier. Notice is effective upon receipt.

10. Amendments; Waiver

10.1 This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument signed by both parties. No failure or delay by either party in exercising any right shall operate as a waiver of that right unless a written waiver is executed by the waiving party.

11. Governing Law; Venue

11.1 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of . Venue for any litigation arising from this Agreement shall lie in the courts of that state and appropriate county, to the extent permitted by law.

12. Entire Agreement; Severability

12.1 This Agreement, together with any written fee letters or exhibits signed by the parties, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties regarding the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings and representations.

12.2 If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, that provision shall be severed and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

13. File Retention and Client Records

13.1 At the conclusion of representation, Attorney may retain the client file for a reasonable period and may dispose of files in accordance with professional obligations unless Client requests delivery of file materials in writing and reimburses reasonable copying costs.

Acknowledgement

Client acknowledges receipt of a copy of this Agreement, understands the terms and consents to the representation subject to these terms. Client further acknowledges that Attorney has not guaranteed any particular outcome and that any expressions about likely results constitute only Attorney's professional opinion.

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