At Align Family Law, we aim to make your journey through family law matters as seamless and transparent as possible. If you’ve recently had an initial consultation with our firm, congratulations—you’ve taken an important first step toward resolving your legal issues.
During your consultation, we likely discussed your goals, options for moving forward, and how our team can assist you. Now, let’s talk about the next crucial step: signing a retainer agreement.
A retainer agreement is a cornerstone of the legal process, setting the stage for a productive partnership between you and your lawyer. At Align Family Law, we prioritize transparency and collaboration, and signing a retainer agreement is an important step in building that foundation.
In this blog, we’ll answer all your questions about retainer agreements, including what they are, why they’re important, and what they include. You’ll also learn about the process of signing a retainer agreement and how it benefits your case.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your legal journey, contact us to schedule a consultation or visit our pricing and process page to learn more.
What Is a Retainer Agreement?
A retainer agreement is a written contract between you and our firm that outlines the terms of our legal services. It’s more than just a formality—it’s a critical document that ensures clarity, transparency, and mutual understanding as we begin working together.
This agreement includes key details such as:
- Scope of Services: What specific tasks our firm will handle on your behalf (e.g., negotiating parenting arrangements, preparing agreements, or representing you in mediation).
- Financial Terms: An explanation of our billing structure, hourly rates, and how we manage retainer funds.
- Responsibilities: Both yours and ours. It’s a partnership, and this document sets expectations for how we’ll collaborate.
- Termination Clauses: How either party can end the relationship if necessary.
In essence, the retainer agreement is the foundation of our working relationship, ensuring that you understand what to expect from us and what we’ll need from you.
Why Is a Retainer Agreement Necessary?
Here are some reasons why signing a retainer agreement is essential before we can officially start working on your case:
- Legal and Ethical Standards
As legal professionals, we’re required to enter into a formal agreement with our clients before providing legal services. This protects both you and us by ensuring the terms of our relationship are clear and agreed upon from the outset. - Transparency
A retainer agreement clearly outlines key details about our working relationship. This includes the cost of our services, such as our hourly rates and how retainer funds are managed, as well as the specific responsibilities we have as your legal team and the responsibilities you have as our client. - Commitment
By signing the agreement and providing the initial retainer payment, you’re showing your commitment to resolving your legal issues. In return, we’re committing our time, knowledge, and resources to advocate for your interests. - Efficient Case Management
Once the agreement is signed, our team can dive into your case, conduct necessary research, and begin drafting documents or initiating negotiations. Without this agreement, we’re unable to act on your behalf.
How Does the Retainer Process Work?
After your initial consultation, if you decide to move forward with Align Family Law, we will prepare a retainer agreement tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
Once it’s in your hands, you’ll review the agreement carefully and have the opportunity to ask any questions.
Lastly, when you’re ready, you’ll e-sign the agreement and provide the initial retainer payment (a deposit held in trust, from which we bill for our work).
After these steps, we’re officially on board as your legal team and can begin advancing your case.
Contact the Family Law Lawyers at Align Family Law to Align for Success
At Align Family Law, our goal is to help you move forward with confidence, whether you’re navigating separation, divorce, parenting issues, or property division. The retainer agreement is a key step in aligning our efforts to meet your goals.
If you have any questions about the retainer process or are ready to take this next step, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
