Let’s face it—paying for a lawyer isn’t fun. But after years of working with clients across Rhode Island Family Court, I’ve spent time testing and refining a billing system that makes the process as painlessish as possible. Here’s how your legal fee is actually used and why our system makes your life easier.

What Is a Retainer Fee?

To hire us for your Family Court case—whether it’s divorce, a child custody dispute, or modifying a parenting plan—we require what’s called a retainer. A retainer fee is an upfront payment you make when we start working together. It’s not an extra charge; it’s a down payment on your total legal bill. As we work on your case, we bill against that amount.

Let’s break that down: Say you hire ABC Firm to handle your custody case. You sign a fee agreement and pay a $6,000 retainer. That money goes into a special account (called an IOLTA account). As work is done on your case—say a paralegal spends an hour drafting legal documents—you get charged for that hour (maybe $100), and that amount is subtracted from your retainer. In short, you’re pre-paying for a portion of the work upfront.

How Our Low Retainer Fee Helps Clients Like You

Exactly. Who has $6,000 just sitting around for a retainer? Not most people. That’s why our approach is different.

Here’s how our retainer works at The Law Office of Timothy M. Sweet: Our retainer is $2,500—significantly lower than most other Rhode Island family law firms. We use an evergreen billing system—you start with a lower retainer, and if more time is needed, you replenish it later. This way, you can plan for what’s ahead without draining your savings on day one. You know what you’re paying for, and we keep doing the work without needing to send nagging reminders or invoices. It’s a win-win.

This approach allows clients to hire an experienced family law attorney without the financial burden of a massive upfront fee. Whether you’re facing a child custody battle, drafting a parenting plan, or navigating divorce, this model gives you the flexibility and transparency you need.

Transparent Billing in Real Time

No bills. No surprises. No grief.

We use a transparent, real-time billing system. You can see exactly what work was done, when, what it cost, and what your current retainer balance is. Whether you’re reviewing custody documents, planning a court appearance, or making decisions about your legal strategy, you’ll always know where things stand financially. If you’re looking ahead, check out our Rhode Island Divorce FAQs to learn more about timelines, court filings, and what to expect.

Payment That Works for Real Life

We accept credit and debit cards, checks, and ACH bank transfers. Because we keep the retainer low and bill transparently, most clients find the process more manageable—especially compared to traditional firms that ask for $5,000–$10,000 upfront.

A Better Way to Pay for Legal Representation

Here’s the deal: You get an explicit agreement and upfront retainer. You know what’s happening with your case. You understand your legal costs before they get out of control. And you’re not paying for fancy coffee runs (unless you want to). It’s smart. It’s simple. It’s what I’d want if I were in your shoes.

We’re also big believers in resolving issues without going to court. If that sounds like a better path for your situation, look at our No Court Conflict Resolution approach—it’s designed to save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.

Ready to Talk?

Let’s talk if you’re considering hiring a divorce attorney, going through a custody issue, or just want clarity on what legal representation might cost you. Book your $250 consultation now »