Frequently Asked Questions

Where Should I Begin?

Divorce and family law cases involve the most intimate and important matters – your family and your money. With these valuables at risk, daunting concerns come into focus: How will this impact your children? Where will you live? What will be your quality of life? How long will this take and what will it cost? Don’t let these fears overwhelm you. The first step is a conversation with Rachel.

What Happens During A Consultation? 

During a consultation, Rachel explains the law, your rights and risks, the realities and timeline of the judicial system, and discusses strategies to achieve your goals. While all individuals differ, common goals include preserving assets, protecting children, maintaining separate businesses, and even reconciliation. Rachel will provide you with resources specific to your needs and will answer your questions.

Most consultations take between 60 to 90 minutes.

HOW MUCH WILL MY CASE COST?

Family legal matters can be expensive—particularly cases involving alimony, or highly-contested custody battles. Attorneys charge by the hour, typically $200 to $500 in the Tallahassee area. Document collection, financial analysis, preparation, negotiations, and resolution take time, which in turn costs money. The more cooperation between you and your spouse, the less money you pay to attorneys to resolve disputes.

Our firm will always be frank about the projected costs of your case, how costs may increase depending on a variety of factors, and how you may be able to lower some costs.

How Long Will My Case Take?

Adopt the pace of nature; her secret is patience. - R.W. Emerson

The court system moves slowly, with timelines set by law. On average, most divorces resolve between 12 to 18 months. Some cases may resolve within 90 days; on rare occasions, a case may take several years for complete resolution. Factors which extend the timeframe of a case include inaccurate documents, failure of either spouse to follow the rules, the amount of discovery required, the issues presented in your case, acrimony between the parties, and ultimately, availability of your judge.

Good lawyers strive to reduce conflict, are cooperative in exchanging documents, and work collaboratively to quickly resolve cases. When delays are inevitable, Rachel will advise you as to which alternative dispute options are available in your case.

We will also keep you informed as to every step in your case, from initial filings, financial disclosures, discovery, mediation, and trial.

What Should I Expect from Your Firm?

In nature, nothing exists alone. –Rachel Carsen, Environmentalist

We pride ourselves on quality, not quantity. Successful results require a devoted attorney, who possesses a collective of emotional, legal, financial, and investigative skills. Sound legal advice takes research and consideration. For that reason, Rachel is selective as to who she represents and how she uses her time

In every case, you can expect:

  • An open line of communication with the firm;
  • Quality time with Rachel to discuss procedures and strategy;
  • Thorough preparation for every formal proceeding, including hearings and mediations;
  • The opportunity to review all substantive documents before they leave our firm, including pleadings, letters, and financial documents; and
  • Prompt notification of any material changes in your case.

We will also keep you informed as to every step in your case, from initial filings, financial disclosures, discovery, mediation, and trial.

Quick Links

If you're a new client and looking to get settled in, or if you're just looking to learn a little more about what to expect in the process, here are some resources that might help!

If you have any questions that we haven't answered on the website or are looking for more information, feel free to reach out!

Ready to Talk?

**Communication with the firm does not establish representation.
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