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

Did you know? In California, either parent can request to legally change a child’s last name—but it requires court approval and sometimes both parents’ consent.

This often comes up during adoption, custody disputes, or when a parent wants to establish or reaffirm a deeper bond. The court's focus? Always the best interests of the child—not just what the parents want.

At FADEM, we’ve guided countless families through name changes as part of broader legal transitions like second-parent adoption, custody agreements, or divorce.

Have questions about changing a child’s name or updating legal documents? We’re here to help.

It Just Takes a Call 
fademlaw.com 

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Today is the International Day of Families — and we’re here to remind you:
Family isn’t defined by blood. It’s defined by love, care, and commitment.

From LGBTQ+ couples to chosen families, guardians, and step-parents — California law has tools to protect your rights, but you have to know how to use them.

Need help understanding your legal options?
📞 Let’s talk about your family’s future.

It Just Takes a Call 
fademlaw.com 

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Family law matters often involve intricate details—financial records, expert testimony, evolving regulations. While many solo attorneys do their best, a collaborative team can offer:

🔹 Diverse Expertise: Specialists in adoption, custody, support, and more all contribute their insights.
🔹 Ongoing Training: Regular in-house workshops keep our team current on California law and best practices.
🔹 Resource Depth: Access to research assistants, investigators, and expert witnesses ensures no stone is left unturned.

At FADEM, our multi-disciplinary approach means your case benefits from the combined strength of seasoned professionals. For complicated family matters, trust the team that has the bandwidth—and the experience—to handle every angle. Let’s explore your options together.

It Just Takes a Call 
fademlaw.com 

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While temporary support can follow local guideline calculators, permanent or long-term spousal support is where things get nuanced — judges consider over a dozen factors like the length of the marriage, each party’s earning capacity, and even the standard of living during the relationship.

⚖️ What’s more? Judges have broad discretion. That’s why skilled legal guidance matters.

At BJ Fadem & Associates, we help you understand your rights, and protect your future.

Thinking about separation or divorce? Let’s talk.

It Just Takes a Call 
fademlaw.com 

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