FEE INFORMATION
 

    We believe in discussing fees early and openly with our clients. A client who knows about our fee structure will be better informed and more satisfied with the services we render. Such a client will also have a clear understanding of what our charges are and what we have done for the fee paid by a client.

    Our attorneys keep time records in each case. Times are shown in tenths of an hour. We try hard to keep an accurate record of time spent drafting documents, preparing pleadings or consulting in person or over the phone.

    You should remember the following specific rules:

    1. A telephone call by or to your attorney will be marked down on your files as at least one-tenth of an hour. This will be shown. for example, as follows: "Telephone conference with client - .1" ledger. You should realize that this is the minimum charge for a telephone call. Of course, if the telephone call lasts longer than one-tenth of an hour, we will enter the appropriate time notation in the file, rounded upwards to the nearest tenth of an hour.

    2. A telephone call to an attorney at home during non-work hours will incur a surcharge of $50.00 in addition to the regular charge for the attorney's time. We understand that, in an emergency, it may be necessary for you to contact an attorney directly at his or her home. We want to be of assistance whether at the office or at home. At the same time, we believe that it is important for an attorney to have quality time to spend with his or her family. Therefore, we add an additional surcharge for a telephone call that reaches us when we are in our homes during the evening or on a weekend, rather than at the office during ordinary business hours.
 

    Mark Sullivan has limited his trial practice since 1981 to domestic cases. He charges $375 per hour for work done in his office and $400 per hour for work in court. His initial interview rate is $425 for up to the first hour. His minimum fee for handling a litigation case is usually $10,000-$20,000.  It can, of course, vary depending on the specifics of the case.

     Brentley Tanner charges $275 per hour for work done in office and $300 per hour for work in court. His initial interview rate is $325 for up to the first hour. His minimum fee for handling a litigation case is usually $7,500-$15,000.  It can vary depending on the specifics of the case.

     Ashley Oldham charges $175 per hour for work done in office and $200 per hour for work in court. Her initial interview rate is $225 for up to the first hour. Her minimum fee for handling a litigation case is usually $4,000-$8,000.  It can vary depending on the specifics of the case.

    Contested court cases usually cost more than the above amounts. Court costs in a domestic case are $150 to file a new case (if that is necessary), $225 to file the divorce complaint, and $30 for serving papers by a North Carolina Sheriff.

    There are very few flat fees in domestic cases, for the simple reason that it is impossible to tell now difficult or complex a case may be.  Fees will also vary according to which attorney you employ to work for you. For your information, however, we have set forth below examples of initial fees we usually charge in routine domestic areas.  These fees are in addition to the initial consultation fee.
 

    Most cases require a deposit to our trust account. This deposit is applied toward the services provided. It is to be paid after the contract is signed and as soon as you wish for us to start the work on your case. The attorney's time is charged against the deposit at the rates indicated above. Of the amount deposited to the firm trust account, the sum of $1,500 (or other figure in written contract) for Mr. Sullivan and $750 for Mr. Tanner is a GENERAL RETAINER FEE for the reservation of that attorney's (and the firm's) services. It is immediately earned upon acceptance of the case and services are not billed against this general retainer fee.

    We will discuss with you the specific fee for your case once we have an opportunity to interview you and determine the facts and objectives in your case. Please feel free to ask any questions you wish about fees. Our goal, above all, is to counsel and maintain clients who are well informed and satisfied with the work we do for them.