What is a Retainer?
Hiring a Divorce Attorney
If you are asked to pay a retainer when you hire an attorney, it is important to remember that a retainer is still your money. The funds are placed into a designated account and are used to pay your attorney for that he or she provides while handling your case. Many family law attorneys do require a retainer.
When you hire an attorney for your divorce or other matters of family law, you may be required to make an upfront payment called a retainer. Your retainer helps to formalize the arrangement between you and your attorney and will be utilized to compensate your attorney for his or her time and efforts. Each month, the attorney will provide you with an itemized statement of each service rendered and the associated costs. These expenses are then automatically deducted from your retainer account. If at the conclusion of your case, there are funds remaining, they will be refunded to you.
Compassionate DuPage County Divorce Lawyers
At Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC, we generally do require the payment of a retainer in most cases. Our experienced attorneys understand that money can be tight, especially for a financially disadvantaged spouse going through a divorce. Fortunately, the law in Illinois provides for such a situation. If you are unable to hire an attorney because your spouse controls all of your income and assets, we can help you petition the court to order your spouse to provide the funds with which to do so.
Money is a serious concern for many individuals who are considering a divorce. While you may think that you cannot afford an attorney, the risks of proceeding without professional legal guidance are far too great. A single mistake could cost you tens of thousands of dollars or, worse, proper access to your children.
To learn more about how our firm can help you with your divorce, contact our office. Call 630-665-7300 to schedule your confidential consultation at MKFM Law today. We are proud to serve clients in Wheaton, Naperville, Oak Brook, and the rest of DuPage County.
