FAQs
Getting Started
How do I contact you?
You may telephone Karin directly (425-289-0293) or e-mail karin@karinquirk.com
How do I subscribe to your email newsletter?
To receive our email newsletter about cooperative divorce and collaborative law, visit our contact page. You may also unsubscribe from our email list there.
Is there a charge for the consultation?
Karin is available for a brief telephone or e-mail consultation to determine what is the best course of action for your particular circumstances. There is no charge for the telephone consultation or initial e mail consultation.
You may also choose to discuss your case in more detail with an in-person consultation.
What paperwork should I bring to my first meeting?
If you have been served any papers you will want to bring those with you. Do prepare your list of questions but you do not need to bring financial records or other records at the time of the initial consultation.
Do you have printable information?
Download Karin's brochure (pdf)
Are you available evenings or weekends?
Occasionally evening and weekend appointments can be arranged.
Where are you located, what about parking?
Quirk and Associates is conveniently located near the intersection of 520 and 405. Parking is plentiful and free. Map/Directions
Can I use a credit card for the consultation or retainer fee?
You may use Visa, Mastercard or American Express.
Attorney Fees
Attorney fees are generally billed hourly and most attorneys request an up front “retainer” or advance payment. These can range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more depending on the complexity of the case and the likelihood of going to trial.
As an accommodation to my clients I have developed a flat fee schedule for certain cases. The benefits of flat fee include:
- Predictability – you know exactly how much you will pay – no surprises
- Better communication – it isn’t going to cost you for every phone call or e-mail
- Time for adequate reflection and discussion – since you aren’t “on the clock” you won’t feel pressured to make hasty decisions in order to avoid further costs for meetings
- Adequate time for drafting and revising documents – documents are revised until you are satisfied without concern of incurring additional costs
- You won’t feel the attorney is just scheduling meetings to run up costs
- You don’t have to spend time reviewing billing statements for accuracy
- You won’t feel “nickeled and dimed”
- Costs such as copies, phone calls and postage are included
What is flat fee?
A single advance payment for a definable scope of work – i.e., a divorce. A flat fee can also be negotiated for parenting actions, partnership dissolution, and modification of support/parenting plan.
When is a flat fee appropriate?
When the parties are committed to cooperate, there will be no litigation, and the scope of the work is definable.
What does a flat fee cover in a divorce?
- The initial filing of a petition
- Negotiating and crafting the settlement agreement
- Parenting Plan
- Support Schedule and support order Setting Domestic Case Schedule
- Final court documents
- Attending a hearing for entry of final judgment
- Property transfer deeds as necessary
Are there additional costs?
Yes, you are responsible for the filing fee ($250) as well as costs for appraisals and other experts deemed necessary.Fees for Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDRO) are negotiated by a separate agreement.
What if the case does become litigated?
There will be a separate agreement to cover fees for court time. An additional retainer may be required.
How much are the flat fees and how are they determined?
The flat fee is based on several factors including:
- Issues involved
- Children
- Real Property
- Complexity of finances
Karin E. Quirk