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FAQs
- How Long Will my Divorce Take?
- Once I pay You, Will You Return my Calls and Answer my Emails?
- Must I go to Court?
- Who Goes to Court With Me?
- How Much Does a Typical Divorce Cost?
- How am I Billed?
- What if I Can't Afford You?
- Can I get a Refund of my Unused Retainer?
How Long Will my Divorce Take?
The earliest you can be divorced from your spouse is six months from the date the responding party is served with the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. However, most divorce cases take longer - sometimes up to 24 months depending on the specific factors.
Back to TopOnce I pay You, Will You Return my Calls and Answer my Emails?
One of the biggest complaints people have with their lawyer is that they pay a lot of money and never hear from the lawyer, or cannot talk to him/her personally and instead get pawned off on their staff. At Mello & Pickering, LLP, we pride ourselves in our client service. Every attorney has access to email 24/7. Our office policy is to return phone calls within 24 hours and we encourage clients to set up telephone conference appointments to ensure availability.
Back to TopMust I go to Court?
In most instances, a case will settle without going to trial. However, there may be instances where a court hearing is necessary (i.e., if there is no agreement for a temporary visitation schedule, a judge will often need to make that call). If a contested hearing is scheduled, the parties are required to be present.
Back to TopWho Goes to Court With Me?
While the attorney that is primarily working on your case will most likely be the lawyer that accompanies you to Court, there are some situations where it might make sense to have another attorney in the firm make that appearance (based on a specific skill set, for instance). We typically have our associates attend routine court appearances, such as Case Management Conferences. In any instance, you can be rest assured that the attorney that accompanies you is well prepared for your hearing and the issues for consideration.
Back to TopHow Much Does a Typical Divorce Cost?
There is not a typical cost for a divorce, as each situation is truly unique. After a consultation with one of our attorneys we can quote you a retainer for your action that is fine-tuned to your specific needs. We can also attempt to mitigate your costs by offering unbundled or limited scope services.
Back to TopHow am I Billed?
A retainer is required up front and deposited into an Interest Only Lawyer Trust Account. You will receive an itemized billing statement once per month detailing the work done on your case for that period. The amount owed is then withdrawn from your Trust Account. We require a minimum retainer balance be kept current in all cases. That amount is determined at the in office consultation.
Back to TopWhat if I Can't Afford You?
If you are unable to continue to fund the litigation, there are options available to you. We do offer unbundling as part of our service.
Back to TopCan I get a Refund of my Unused Retainer?
Any unused portion of your retainer is refunded to you.
Back to TopContact Us
- Free Consultation
- (408) 288-7800
Practice Areas
- Divorce
- Mediation
- Annulment
- Legal Separation
- Child Support
- Spousal Support / Alimony
- Child Custody / Visitation
- Modifications of Orders
- Set Aside of Prior Support Orders
- Unbundled Family Law Services
- Paternity
- Domestic Violence / Restraining Orders
- Prenuptial Agreements / Postnuptial Agreements
- Property Valuation and Division
- Stepparent Adoptions
- What is a “Valid Marriage”?
Client Reviews
Thank you all for the exceptional personal service. I have the utmost gratitude for everything that you do.
Thank you, you've been fantastic through the entire process. Would definitely refer you to others.
THANK YOU!!!!! You made my divorce very easy.
You were very well-spoken, well-prepared, and amazing thinking on your feet. Calm and professional. I was impressed. Thank you.
Thanks again for all of your support and terrific work. It is hard to find a good lawyer that looks after their client and truly cares about them and their children. I truly believe that you have my best interest at heart.
Contact Us
- 1 Free Consultation
- 2 40+ Years of Combined Experience
- 3 *Certified Family Law Specialists
Fill out the contact form or call us at (408) 288-7800 to schedule your free consultation.