How the Attorney-Paralegal Model Saves You Money
Divorce is expensive. Everybody knows that. Attorney time is expensive. Like all tradesmen, an attorney’s service is invaluable when you need it. According to Google, a typical divorce will end up costing an average of $10,000-$15,000 in the United States. Of course, some people might pay more, some people might pay less. How much you spend on your divorce ultimately comes down to how much of your attorney’s time you use. If you’re interested in reading more about how to save money in your divorce, I’ve written a blog on that here.
At Cascades Family Law, we understand the value of your dollar. We understand that during divorce and the division of marital assets, it isn’t easy to pay for the divorce on top of everything else. That’s why we have developed a unique hybrid Attorney-Paralegal model. To help save you time and money when you are faced with a family law matter.
How does the process work? All new clients begin the process by consulting with Ron. During that meeting, Ron can advise on what course to take to achieve the desired outcome for your situation. You will then begin working with the paralegal, Jordan, who will assist you with day-to-day matters, like preparing and filing court documents, corresponding with you, keeping up with deadlines, and overseeing communications from opposing counsel and the court.
Is this model legal in Oregon? Yes! In fact, since 2024, and due to the high demand and need for legal support in Oregon, the state began licensing paralegals to handle family law and landlord tenant matters. At Cascade Family Law, Jordan practices under my supervision, and so you are always protected by my license, experience, and ethical oversight.
How much will it cost? Most clients end up saving 30-50% compared to hiring an attorney full-time. However, how much you spend on your divorce depends on how much time you require of your attorney or your paralegal. An attorney can never predict the outcome of a trial nor how much a matter will end up costing you. You will be asked to pay a retainer right away, usually between $3,000-$5,000 to start. A retainer is not a flat fee. It is a payment to retain future services. I charge $300 per hour for my services (consultations, telephone calls, text messages, emails, trial prep, court appearances, and even travel time when applicable) my paralegal charges $125 per hour. We work on a sliding scale on a case-by-case basis.
Can I work with you virtually? Yes! We have clients in many counties outside of the one we are located. We have helped clients in Jefferson County, Crook County, Grant County, Lake County, and beyond. The courts are very understanding about accommodating requests for virtual appearances as well.
What if I have already started my divorce process? We can pick up where you left off — whether you filed pro se, started mediation, or need help revising a proposed agreement, we can help! Do you have more questions? Contact us now for a consultation.
