What is your hourly rate, and do you require a retainer?

Hourly rates in the Tampa Bay area vary widely based on experience and case complexity. Retainers are typically required and held in a trust account, with fees drawn as work is performed. It is important to note that most family law attorneys charge you the same hourly rate, no matter what they are doing for you. In Court = $600.00/hour; phone call with client = $600.00/hour. Thinking about your case or talking to a paralegal = $600.00/hour. Gary uses a different approach. He uses hourly rates based upon the value of the work he is doing. If he is in Court, or preparing for a court appearance, his hourly rate is $500.00/hour. In mediation or depositions is rate is only $400.00/hour; and for a phone call, or talking to a paralegal about your case, his hourly rate is only $350.00/hour. Gary takes pride in the fact that he is an affordable expert. And here’s another shock to most client who hire other lawyers, you may be billed for postage, copies, scans of documents, parking and a variety of other “nickel and dime” charges. Gary does not bill his clients for postage, copies, scans, parking or the like. He has just said NO to those sorts of billing items.

What is your Retainer for a case like mine?

Retainers vary based on case complexity. High-asset or high-conflict cases typically require larger retainers. Gary’s typical retainer is usually $10,000.00, but yours could be more or less. Be wary of the attorney who charges you a very low retainer just to get your case in his door.

What other costs should I expect (court fees, expert witnesses, etc.)?

Beyond attorney fees, expect costs for filing fees, process servers, court reporters, expert witnesses, forensic accountants, and other professionals as needed

What payment methods do you accept?

Gary E Williams, Attorney at Law accepts checks, Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover or E-checks. We also have the capacity to receive wire transfers

Are consultations free or is there a fee?

Gary E Williams, Attorney at Law does not charge a consultation fee. When you talk with us, you are trying to decide if you want to retain our firm and we are deciding if we want to represent you. Since it is a dual interview, we do not charge you for that conversation.

Will you personally handle my case, or will other attorneys or paralegals be involved?

At Gary E. Williams, Attorney at Law, Gary is always responsible for every aspect of your case. Paralegals, law clerks and associate attorneys will assist him, but Gary is always available to discuss your case with you.

Who will be my primary point of contact throughout the case?

Heidi J. Tooke is the Law Firm Administrator at Gary E. Williams, Attorney at Law, she is your first point of contact. She has full authority to get you whatever assistance you need, including a conversation or meeting with your attorney.

How quickly do you typically respond to client calls and emails?

Expect reasonable response times, typically within 24 hours for non-urgent matters. Urgent issues should receive faster responses. And, when Gary is not immediately available, your assigned paralegal will be available to you to help

How often will I receive updates on my case?

You will receive a copy of every document that we receive and every document we send out. You will also receive regular updates keeping you informed and helping you reduce your anxiety.

What is your preferred method of communication (phone, email, text, portal)?

Attorneys vary in their communication preferences. Email is often preferred for documentation, but some matters require phone calls. When you are in need of quicker contact, please call us.

How do you prepare clients for court appearances or depositions?

Preparation is critical for successful outcomes. We have a specific process for preparing clients for testimony, including mock questioning and document review.

What will you need from me to build the strongest case?

Understanding your responsibilities helps you contribute effectively. Ask about documents, information, and actions needed from you. You will always know your life better than we do, so we think of our representing you as a team effort, with you being a large part of that team.

How do you manage case files and document sharing?

We use modern “best practices” to ensure that your information is secure and confidential.

Fees and Billing FAQs

Understanding the Costs and Financial Considerations of Your Legal Representation

Fees and Billing

Here are the questions you need to ask any attorney you are thinking of hiring to represent you in your divorce:

What is your hourly rate, and do you require a retainer?
Hourly rates in the Tampa Bay area vary widely based on experience and case complexity. Retainers are typically required and held in a trust account, with fees drawn as work is performed. It is important to note that most family law attorneys charge you the same hourly rate, no matter what they are doing for you. In Court = $600.00/hour; phone call with client = $600.00/hour. Thinking about your case or talking to a paralegal = $600.00/hour. Gary uses a different approach. He uses hourly rates based upon the value of the work he is doing. If he is in Court, or preparing for a court appearance, his hourly rate is $500.00/hour. In mediation or depositions is rate is only $400.00/hour; and for a phone call, or talking to a paralegal about your case, his hourly rate is only $350.00/hour. Gary takes pride in the fact that he is an affordable expert. And here’s another shock to most client who hire other lawyers, you may be billed for postage, copies, scans of documents, parking and a variety of other “nickel and dime” charges. Gary does not bill his clients for postage, copies, scans, parking or the like. He has just said NO to those sorts of billing items.
What is your Retainer for a case like mine?
Retainers vary based on case complexity. High-asset or high-conflict cases typically require larger retainers. Gary’s typical retainer is usually $10,000.00, but yours could be more or less. Be wary of the attorney who charges you a very low retainer just to get your case in his door.
What other costs should I expect (court fees, expert witnesses, etc.)?
Beyond attorney fees, expect costs for filing fees, process servers, court reporters, expert
witnesses, forensic accountants, and other professionals as needed
What payment methods do you accept?
Gary E Williams, Attorney at Law accepts checks, Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover or E-checks. We also have the capacity to receive wire transfers
Are consultations free or is there a fee?
Gary E Williams, Attorney at Law does not charge a consultation fee. When you talk with us, you are trying to decide if you want to retain our firm and we are deciding if we want to represent you. Since it is a dual interview, we do not charge you for that conversation.

Case Management and Communication

Will you personally handle my case, or will other attorneys or paralegals be involved?
At Gary E. Williams, Attorney at Law, Gary is always responsible for every aspect of your case. Paralegals, law clerks and associate attorneys will assist him, but Gary is always available to discuss your case with you.
Who will be my primary point of contact throughout the case?
Heidi J. Tooke is the Law Firm Administrator at Gary E. Williams, Attorney at Law, she is your first point of contact. She has full authority to get you whatever assistance you need, including a conversation or meeting with your attorney.
How quickly do you typically respond to client calls and emails?
Expect reasonable response times, typically within 24 hours for non-urgent matters. Urgent issues should receive faster responses. And, when Gary is not immediately available, your assigned paralegal will be available to you to help
How often will I receive updates on my case?
You will receive a copy of every document that we receive and every document we send out. You will also receive regular updates keeping you informed and helping you reduce your anxiety.
What is your preferred method of communication (phone, email, text, portal)?
Attorneys vary in their communication preferences. Email is often preferred for documentation, but some matters require phone calls. When you are in need of quicker contact, please call us.
How do you prepare clients for court appearances or depositions?
Preparation is critical for successful outcomes. We have a specific process for preparing clients for testimony, including mock questioning and document review.
What will you need from me to build the strongest case?
Understanding your responsibilities helps you contribute effectively. Ask about documents, information, and actions needed from you. You will always know your life better than we do, so we think of our representing you as a team effort, with you being a large part of that team.
How do you manage case files and document sharing?
We use modern “best practices” to ensure that your information is secure and confidential.