FAQ’s

FAQ’s

FAQ’s2026-03-16T22:50:02+00:00

Frequently Asked Questions

These FAQs will inform you as to how fees are charged and give you answers to some questions. Most of the FAQs are also in our “fee agreement”. Thank you for taking the time to review the FAQs below. We will be happy to answer any other questions you may have during your Initial Consultation.

What is the consultation fee for your services?2025-05-13T20:45:55+00:00

Our consultation fee is a flat rate of $300.

Why do some cases take so long?2023-09-24T02:07:31+00:00

There are many factors and many parties that have an affect on the process of your case. Our Law Firm only has control over what we do. We do not have control over the other parties, Opposing Counsel, Courts or other unforeseen factors. We understand that you may want this situation over and done with but circumstances that we have no control over may keep this from happening.

Why should I hire a certified specialist in family law?2023-10-14T19:05:17+00:00

Attorney B J Fadem has been a Certified Specialist by the California State Bar since 1999. It’s comparable to hiring a doctor or surgeon that is also a “specialist” instead of “general doctor”. There are not many Attorneys who are Specialists in Family Law in California due to the fact that the requirements are very strict.

What are some of the basic billing items?2023-10-14T19:03:24+00:00

Court Appearance 1.50 minimum
Attorney/Client Meetings 1.00 minimum
Telephone Meetings .30 minimum
Review Client File .30 minimum
Letters from Attorney .30 minimum
Attorney from & to all Email .30 minimum
Review of Incoming documents .30 minimum
Update Client File for Court Hearing 1.0 minimum
Court Run 1.0 minimum
Letters from Staff .30 minimum
Staff from & to all Email .30 minimum

What are the attorneys billings rate per hour?2023-10-24T22:19:24+00:00

B J Fadem, Esq, Senior Attorney & Founder $600
Scott Reno, Esq, Senior Associate Attorney $400
Erika Lee, Esq, Associate Attorney $385.00
Of Counsel Attorneys $400
Senior Paralegal $275
Paralegals $225
Law Clerks $125-$225

How much will my case cost?2023-10-14T19:02:19+00:00

You should expect to pay a reasonable fee for legal services and are entitled to know how the fee is determined and when it is to be paid. Our Attorney fee is not a fixed fee because we have no way of knowing at the outset the difficulty of the legal services to be performed or how much time will be required. Even when the assets are not substantial, nor the legal issues unique, the emotions often become so involved as to require unusual time and effort by the Attorney.

How can I submit my payment?2023-10-24T22:20:30+00:00

We accept all major credit cards, ZELLE, bank wires, and checks. With our invoicing process, payments links are sent out with the invoice or by email directly. If you have any questions about billing, please contact Kathey Gentry directly at katheygentry@fademlaw.com.

What if I have a question on my invoice or about my replenishable?2023-10-24T22:40:06+00:00

Kathey Gentry, Accounts Manager has been on the Staff since 1992. If you have any questions regarding your Invoice or Replenishable account email her at katheygentry@fademlaw.com. Per the law firm fee agreement, you have 30 days upon receipt of your invoice, in writing, to dispute any charges on your invoice.

How am I charged?2023-10-24T23:24:52+00:00

Any and all legal services that our Attorneys or Staff perform on behalf of a client are billed. However, it may depend on your case.
An Expenses & Cost Fee of 4% is applied to the subtotal of the invoice to cover all services and costs, this is written into your Fee Agreement. This does not cover Process Service, Filing Fees, and Expert Fees.

How can I get the most out of my initial consultation?2023-10-14T18:39:59+00:00
  • Bring a list of all questions you wish to ask your Attorney. There is no question we won’t answer.
  • Bring a list of all names, addresses, emails, phone numbers, employment information, counsel information, and how these individuals are involved in your case.
  • If you have done research into your legal matter, bring it. Bring any documents pertaining to your issue. This could also include letters, court documents, pictures, videos, texts, and paper documents. Any supporting documentation.
  • Make copies of all documents including your list of questions, written sequence of events, and research.
Initial Consultation2023-10-24T23:28:04+00:00
  • Prior to your initial consultation you will be sent a Client Intake Form to be completed and returned to our law firm prior to meeting with an attorney. This form is important for review by the attorney prior to your meeting. Once your completed form is received your consultation will be setup. You may have a telephone, Skype or Zoom consultation depending on your request. Your initial consultation is for one [1] hour.
  • Consultation Fee is $200
  • Consultation Fee is due prior to all meetings
  • There is a limit of 2 additional consultations prior to retaining our Law Firm representation
  • Please be prepared for your meeting 10 minutes early to your appointed time
How can I save money?2023-09-24T00:41:55+00:00

Prepare for all your meetings.
Respond to all Attorney and Staff requests in a timely manner.
Write down important events, facts, and questions prior to any meeting so that you are prepared.
Keep your Attorney updated on current events and facts.
Consolidate your questions in email and telephone calls.

When do I have to pay my bill?2023-09-24T00:41:24+00:00

Invoices are due upon receipt.

What is a replenishable?2023-09-24T00:44:04+00:00

Your Replenishable is written in your Fee Agreement. It is to be maintained each month along with the payment of your Invoice upon receipt. It is the amount per your written Fee Agreement that must be maintained in the Attorney-Client Trust account to continue your legal services.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

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CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

Professional and Skilled. Great Law Office! Mr. BJ Fadem is a knowledgeable and skilled attorney with great experience. Thank you!
Larry

Mr Fadem is extremely knowledgeable of the laws. Felt he was very in tuned to my needs and fought those. Would definitely would use again. HIGHLY RECOMMEND

Sharon

I have worked with Mr. Fadem on many occasions and he is as intelligent, professional, and dedicated as they come. His knowledge of family law is outstanding and I refer him to anyone who needs a specialized and highly skilled family law attorney.

Emily

The reason I return time and time again is knowledgeable employees and the respect I am treated with. I also think that the noncondensending matter in which I was treated was a prime factor.

Claude

STAY CONNECTED

For insights into family legal matters

It’s common to wait.Not because you don’t care —but because you’re unsure where to start, what to ask, or what the process even looks like.Many clients tell us they wish they had reached out sooner — not to act quickly, but to better understand their situation earlier.Waiting can sometimes create more uncertainty, not less.A conversation doesn’t commit you to anything.It simply gives you a clearer picture of your options.📞 All it takes is a call.⚖️ Fadem Law | Family Law & Mediation
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Many family law decisions are made quickly — often in moments of stress, pressure, or uncertainty.What feels reasonable in the moment can carry long-term consequences, especially when it comes to parenting, finances, or future expectations.We often meet people after the fact who say,“I didn’t realize how much that decision would affect things later.”Taking a step back to understand your options first can make a meaningful difference in how everything unfolds.At Fadem Law, we help clients approach these decisions with clarity — not urgency.📌 Save this if you’re navigating a decision right now.⚖️ Fadem Law | California Family Law & Mediation
You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out.Many people wait because they think they need a plan first —but in reality, most clarity comes after the conversation.Whether you’re considering mediation or simply trying to understand your options, the first step can be as simple as asking questions.We’re here to listen, guide, and help you move forward at your own pace.📞 All it takes is a call.⚖️ Fadem Law | Family Law & Mediation
It’s common to wait.Not because you don’t care —but because you’re unsure where to start, what to ask, or what the process even looks like.Many clients tell us they wish they had reached out sooner — not to act quickly, but to better understand their situation earlier.Waiting can sometimes create more uncertainty, not less.A conversation doesn’t commit you to anything.It simply gives you a clearer picture of your options.📞 All it takes is a call.⚖️ Fadem Law | Family Law & Mediation
Parenting plans are often created based on what works in the moment — current schedules, routines, and responsibilities.But life doesn’t stay the same.- Children grow.- Schedules shift.- Needs evolve.What feels workable today can become difficult to maintain later.At Fadem Law, we help clients approach parenting plans with both clarity and flexibility in mind — so decisions support not just today, but what comes next.📌 Save this if you’re navigating parenting decisions.⚖️ Fadem Law | Family Law & Mediation
Many family law decisions are made quickly — often in moments of stress, pressure, or uncertainty.What feels reasonable in the moment can carry long-term consequences, especially when it comes to parenting, finances, or future expectations.We often meet people after the fact who say,“I didn’t realize how much that decision would affect things later.”Taking a step back to understand your options first can make a meaningful difference in how everything unfolds.At Fadem Law, we help clients approach these decisions with clarity — not urgency.📌 Save this if you’re navigating a decision right now.⚖️ Fadem Law | California Family Law & Mediation
You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out.Many people wait because they think they need a plan first —but in reality, most clarity comes after the conversation.Whether you’re considering mediation or simply trying to understand your options, the first step can be as simple as asking questions.We’re here to listen, guide, and help you move forward at your own pace.📞 All it takes is a call.⚖️ Fadem Law | Family Law & Mediation
One of the earliest decisions people face is how to move forward — through mediation or through court.There’s no single right answer.The right path depends on your situation, your goals, and the level of structure or flexibility needed.Mediation can offer a more collaborative approach.Court can provide clarity and structure when needed.Understanding both options early can help you move forward with more confidence and less second-guessing.At Fadem Law, we help clients think through these decisions in a way that aligns with their long-term goals.📞 All it takes is a call.⚖️ Fadem Law | California Family Law & Mediation📌 Save this if you’re at the beginning of a family law decision.
Not all restraining orders in California work the same way.Domestic violence restraining orders and civil harassment restraining orders apply to different relationships and follow different legal standards.Domestic violence protections generally apply to family members or partners.Civil harassment orders are typically used for neighbors, coworkers, roommates, or other individuals outside of a close relationship.In many situations, civil harassment cases require proof of a pattern of behavior, not just a single incident.Understanding these differences can make a significant impact if you are filing or responding to a restraining order.Follow @FademLaw for clear California family law insights.
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