Legal Question in Family Law in California

Reasonable Fee for Transmutation Agreement

What is a reasonable attorney fee for

filing a rather simple transmutation

agreement? Do most attorneys

charge a flat fee, or an hourly rate +

retainer?

We are newlyweds (4 months), and

one attorney quoted me $395/hr +

$3,950 retainer. Seems quite high to

me, so I haven't signed the

engagement letter.


Asked on 10/18/07, 1:10 am

4 Answers from Attorneys

Ryan P. McClure The Law Offices of Ryan P. McClure

Re: Reasonable Fee for Transmutation Agreement

The cost will be dependent on the work involved. You should shop around if you are not happy with the cost you have been quoted.

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Answered on 10/18/07, 12:10 pm
OCEAN BEACH ASSOCIATES OCEAN BEACH ASSOCIATES

Re: Reasonable Fee for Transmutation Agreement

The attorney is asking for 10 hours up front which is reasonable. Because his hourly is $ 395.00 is on the high end. My hourly is only

$ 260.00, therefore I would as for

$ 2.6K. 20 years exp. Contact me directly.

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Answered on 10/18/07, 1:11 pm
Anne Marie Healy Law Offices of Anne Marie Healy

Re: Reasonable Fee for Transmutation Agreement

$395 per hour is pricey, but if he has a very good reputation, it might be worth it. The thing is, getting a good transmutation agreement drafted now helps to avoid litigation in the future. I would also ask if the attorney drafting the agreement is experienced in litigation. It is my opinion that only an attorney experienced in litigation can fully know what should go into the transmutation agreement to avoid that very litigation in the future.

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Answered on 10/23/07, 9:55 am
James Chau Law Offices James Chau

Re: Reasonable Fee for Transmutation Agreement

You should shop around, to see what are the various types of fees attorneys charge. Many times, things that seem 'simple' are only the tip of the ice berg. So the transmutation agreement is probably not 'simple' but I wouldn't go as high as 4,000. It would probably require two attorneys if you really want it to stand up to a challenge.

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Answered on 10/18/07, 3:50 am


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