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.
IT JUST TAKES A CALL 
OUR LAW FIRM IS DEDICATED TO DEFENDING YOUR RIGHTS
B J Fadem & Associates, APC is a Certified Family Law Specialist
You may have a Telephone Conference, Skype Meeting, ZOOM Meeting or in Office Meeting. Consultations are for 1 hour. If you are doing a Telephone Conference, Skype Meeting or ZOOM meeting, when you call in to set your Initial Consultation you will be asked for your email so that we can send you a “CLIENT INTAKE FORM” to be completed prior to your Initial Consultation and returned to our law firm for our Attorney to review. If coming into our law firm for your Initial Consultation, you will be given the “CLIENT INTAKE FORM” in the Office to be completed prior to your meeting for our Attorney to review.
B J Fadem Consultation $300 [Limit 1 Hour]
Managing Attorney $200 [Limit 1 Hour]
Associate Attorney $100 [Limit 1 Hour]
*There is a limit of 2 additional consultations prior to retaining our Law Firm representation. Consultation Fees apply prior to all meetings
*Please call-in or arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointed time of meeting.
How can I get the most out of my Initial Consultation?
*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, video, texts, and paper documents. Any supporting documentation.
*Make copies of all documents including your list of questions, written sequence of events and research.
MONEY QUESTIONS:
How can I save money?
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 update on current events and facts.
Consolidate your questions in email and telephone calls.
When do I have to pay my bill?
Invoices are due upon receipt.
What is a Replenishable?
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.
How am I charged?
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 6% is applied to the subtotal of 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.
What if I have a question on my Invoice or about my Replenishable?
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 to dispute from receipt of invoice any issues.
How can I submit my payment?
We accept all major credit cards, ZELLA [up to the amount of $2,000.00] contact katheygentry@fademlaw.com for the information, bank wires [contact katheygentry@fademlaw.com for the information, you may email your information to Kathey Gentry-please contact by email first as to the information she will need to process your payment, and checks written to: LAW OFFICES OF FADEM & ASSOCIATES, APC.
How much will my case cost?
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.
What are the Attorneys Billings Rate per hour?
B J Fadem, Esq, Senior Attorney & Founder $500.00 = $530.00
Patricia Zerbini, Esq, Managing Attorney $475.00 = $455.00
Scott Reno, Esq, Associate Attorney $350.00 = $385
Of Counsel Attorneys $350.00 = $385.00
Senior Paralegal $225.00 = $275.00
Paralegals $225.00 = $STAY
Law Clerks $125.00 = $225.00
What are some of the basic billing items?
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
GENERAL QUESTIONS:
Why should I hire a Certified Specialist in Family Law?
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.
Why do some cases take so long?
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.
Your issue may be time sensitive, please contact our Law Firm to set-up your Initial Consultation.
Please read the FAQs’ prior to your Initial Consultation.
We file in all California Counties and Cities. In addition, B J Fadem represents Clients throughout California, the United States and foreign countries with regard to Hague Matters.
DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW US ON
X
Our Family Law Firm hopes that you are safe, healthy, and staying positive. As a Family Law Firm, we understand the enormous impact COVID-19 is having on your family, friends, and loved ones. We are here to assist and support you. During this uncertain time, it is a time to rely on those who have your best interest in mind. We remain focused on making sure that all aspects of your legal rights will be enforced.
Our firm has aligned with the mandates and precautions that have been implemented on the local, state, and federal levels and are working virtually. We have many resources available to maintain communications. You can reach us by calling our main number which is being monitored by our Receptionist, email, or through our website (www.fademlaw.com). Meetings can be setup via: Direct Telephone, Telephone Conference Bridge, Zoom, or Skype.
Although the courts are only hearing emergency matters, we are able to continue pursuing your legal case. Mr. Fadem continues to conduct mediations and private judging matters via Zoom. We will continue settlement negotiations, the filing of motions, and documents as allowed by each Superior Court. We do not intend to stall your legal representation while complying with the mandates.
Our office wishes you, your family and loved ones to remain healthy and optimistic during this difficult and trying period. Our staff is here to continue to support you and your family in any way we can.
My best regards from my "family" to yours,
Sincerely and with respect,
BJ Fadem & Associates