FAQ’s

FAQ’s

FAQ’s2023-10-15T23:17:23+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

In mediation, agreements are often made in a moment of pressure, uncertainty, or urgency.At Fadem Law, we advocate for clients by helping them understand how mediation decisions can affect custody, finances, and future changes — not just today, but months and years down the road.Mediation can be effective when it’s supported by informed legal guidance that protects your rights and long-term interests.📞 All it takes is a call.⚖️ Fadem Law — California Family Law & Mediation.
One of the most common questions we hear is what happens when mediation doesn’t reach a full agreement.The answer surprises many people.Mediation isn’t a pass-or-fail process.It doesn’t cancel your rights, and it doesn’t erase progress already made.In California, partial agreements can still matter — and unresolved issues can be addressed through the appropriate next steps.Understanding this often relieves pressure and allows families to approach mediation with more confidence and less fear.⚖️ Follow us for clear, compassionate California family law guidance.📌 Save this if you’re in mediation or considering it.
Feeling pressure doesn’t automatically mean mediation was wrong for your case.It usually means you needed more structure, clarity, or legal support during the process.Good mediation isn’t about agreeing quickly.It’s about understanding the long-term impact of what you’re agreeing to — especially when children, finances, or future modifications are involved.If you’re considering mediation, it’s okay to ask:- Do I fully understand these terms?- Am I agreeing out of clarity or out of exhaustion?- Do I feel heard and protected in this process?Those questions matter.⚖️ Follow us for thoughtful guidance on mediation and family law in California.📌 Save this if you’re weighing your options.
From mediation to more complex family law matters, we help clients move forward with clarity and care.No pressure. No judgment.Just a conversation to understand your options.📞 All it takes is a call.⚖️ Fadem Law — California Family Law.
In mediation, agreements are often made in a moment of pressure, uncertainty, or urgency.At Fadem Law, we advocate for clients by helping them understand how mediation decisions can affect custody, finances, and future changes — not just today, but months and years down the road.Mediation can be effective when it’s supported by informed legal guidance that protects your rights and long-term interests.📞 All it takes is a call.⚖️ Fadem Law — California Family Law & Mediation.
One of the most common questions we hear is what happens when mediation doesn’t reach a full agreement.The answer surprises many people.Mediation isn’t a pass-or-fail process.It doesn’t cancel your rights, and it doesn’t erase progress already made.In California, partial agreements can still matter — and unresolved issues can be addressed through the appropriate next steps.Understanding this often relieves pressure and allows families to approach mediation with more confidence and less fear.⚖️ Follow us for clear, compassionate California family law guidance.📌 Save this if you’re in mediation or considering it.
Feeling pressure doesn’t automatically mean mediation was wrong for your case.It usually means you needed more structure, clarity, or legal support during the process.Good mediation isn’t about agreeing quickly.It’s about understanding the long-term impact of what you’re agreeing to — especially when children, finances, or future modifications are involved.If you’re considering mediation, it’s okay to ask:- Do I fully understand these terms?- Am I agreeing out of clarity or out of exhaustion?- Do I feel heard and protected in this process?Those questions matter.⚖️ Follow us for thoughtful guidance on mediation and family law in California.📌 Save this if you’re weighing your options.
From mediation to more complex family law matters, we help clients move forward with clarity and care.No pressure. No judgment.Just a conversation to understand your options.📞 All it takes is a call.⚖️ Fadem Law — California Family Law.
As the year closes, one thing is clear: family law is about people, not paperwork.This year, we stood beside parents protecting their time with their children, partners navigating major life changes, and families choosing clarity over conflict. That work matters—and we don’t take it lightly.In the new year, our focus stays the same:✔ Clear guidance✔ Compassionate advocacy✔ Real solutions for real familiesIf 2026 brings questions, transitions, or tough decisions, you don’t have to face them alone.Here’s to a new year grounded in stability, dignity, and informed choices.
Legal separation can raise insurance and residency issues.In this part, we cover how health benefits may be affected, when legal separation can be used before meeting residency requirements, and how a case can later convert to divorce.If you’re weighing your options, we can help you understand which path fits your situation.It Just Takes a Callfademlaw.com
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