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Ramos Law Group Mary E. Ramos selected as a Texas Super Lawyer
Ramos Law Group is Houstons Top Lawyer awards from 2015-2020
Ramos Law Group Board Certified: Texas board of legal specialization award for family law
Ramos Law Group A plus rating in the BBB
Ramos Law Group is part of the Texas Bar College
Ramos Law Group won Expertise.com best divorce lawyers in Houston 2022 award
Ramos Law Group 10.0 rating on avvo

Billing Transparency: See Divorce Lawyer Costs

Rates & Retainers  

Compare Family Law & Divorce Attorney Costs:

We make you a partner in the process by disclosing business aspects such as our retainer ranges, billing practices, and rates online. We challenge our competitors to do the same, but we know they won’t. What you will find is that they rarely speak about retainers or billing practices until you set foot in the door. We strive for transparency and are blazing our own path as we aim to change the industry in favor of the people we serve. With this in mind, this page will cover retainers, billing, rates and common questions.

  • What are your retainers?
  • What are your hourly rates and expenses fees?
  • Billing Practices
  • How is billable time measured?
  • What are the 3rd party fees or expenses?
  • How often do you run invoices?
  • What happens if I don’t agree with a billable item?
  • Other Family Law & Divorce Attorney Cost Questions:
  • How much does it cost
  • Why are lawyers so expensive
  • Your cost compared?

What are your retainers?

Our initial retainers vary, but in most cases, they are as follows:

Contested Cases (*1): 

  • If assigned to an associate attorney, the standard retainers start at $5,500.
  • If assigned to a senior associate attorney, the standard retainers start at $7,000.
  • If assigned to our founder, Mary E. Ramos, who is Board Certified in Family Law by the Board of Legal Specialization of Texas the standard retainers start at $9,500.

Uncontested Cases (*1):

  • Assigned to Junior Associate Attorneys ONLY.
  • Retainers start at $3,500.

(*1) If the initial retainer is paid with cash or check, the initial retainer will be reduced by $500 for all cases.    

What are your hourly rates and expenses fees?

See our family law & divorce attorney cost table. The time expended by Ramos Law Group, PLLC, will be recorded and billed in two-tenths (.2) of an hour increment at the following hourly rates:

ResourceRateIncrement
*Mary E. Ramos$525.00Per Hour
Associates (Rate Range)$175.00 – $450.00Per Hour
Julie R. Rosete$395Per Hour
Michael Villasana$395Per Hour
Brody E. Smith$275.00Per Hour
Of Counsel (Rate Range)$275.00 – $450.00Per Hour
Jessica Mikell$345.00Per Hour
Law Clerk (Rate Range)$175.00 – $300.00Per Hour
Paralegal (Rate Range)$130.00 – $300.00Per Hour
*Christina Garza$257Per Hour
Jennifer Galindo$210Per Hour
Mary Gonzales$184.00Per Hour
Kassandra Cantu$184.00Per Hour
Legal Assistant$80.00 – $150.00Per Hour
Legal Secretary or File Clerk$50.00 – $120.00Per Hour

*Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

Billing Practices

What are the factors for setting fees?

To determine the divorce lawyer costs charged to Clients, the Firm will consider the following factors and guidelines approved by the Supreme Court of Texas and in the Texas Rules of Professional Conduct on what is a reasonable fee:

  1. The time and labor required, the novelty and difficulty of the questions involved, and the skill requisite to perform the legal service properly;
  2. The possible preclusion of other employment by the Firm;
  3. The fee customarily charged in the locality for similar legal services;
  4. The amount involved and the results obtained;
  5. The time limitations imposed by Client or by the circumstances;
  6. The nature and length of the professional relationship between the Firm and the Client;
  7. The experience, reputation, and ability of the lawyer or lawyers performing the services;
  8. Special circumstances of the case;
  9. Whether the fee is fixed or contingent on results obtained or uncertainty of collection before the legal services have been rendered; and
  10. Attorney fees awarded in similar cases.

What types of items are billable?

The Client will be billed for any divorce attorney costs for activities used to move their case forward. These include but not limited to the following:

  1. Legal research
  2. Drafting of pleadings
  3. Conferences
  4. Emails to and from any party
  5. Telephone conversations to and from any party
  6. Preparation of discoverable documents
  7. Investigation of facts
  8. Preparation for and appearances in court
  9. Correspondence
  10. Preparation for and appearances at mediation
  11. Other tasks deemed necessary to adequately handle the matter in controversy

How is billable time measured?

The attorney’s time involved in out-of-office representation will be measured from the time the attorney leaves the office until the attorney arrives back at the office. All Court appearances will be billed at a minimum of two (2) hours even though the time spent may be less than two (2) hours. Any Court time over the (2) hours will be billed in units of two-tenths (.2) of an hour. All other time will be billed in minimum units of two-tenths (.2) of an hour even though the time spent may be less than two-tenths (.2) of an hour.

What are the 3rd party fees or expenses?

Court costs, mediation costs, deposition costs, duplication costs, filing fees, travel expenses, long-distance telephone expenses, accountant’s fees, appraiser’s fees, consultant’s fees, facsimile costs, postage and other professional divorce attorney costs incurred on Client’s behalf (including specialized or local legal counsel), and other disbursements will be paid directly by Client or, when advanced by Firm, will be borne by and paid for by Client as provided above.

How often do you run invoices?

The Firm will provide Clients semi-monthly statements setting forth, in summary, the detail of work done, and the time and expenses incurred. Supporting documents including invoices and time records are available for inspection by Client during normal business hours.

What happens if I don’t agree with a billable item?

If a Client has a disagreement or question about any charge Client they receive on any invoice from the Firm, the Client agrees to immediately bring it to the attention of the Firm. Failure to raise a complaint or question by the 10th day following Client’s receipt of the statement shall conclusively be deemed an acceptance of the correctness of the billing.

Other Family Law & Divorce Attorney Cost Questions:

How much does an agreed divorce with or without children and property cost?

At the Ramos Law Group, we no longer provide flat fee services as it reduces the quality of service we can provide to all clients. However, our uncontested agreed cases can be completed with under the initial retainer of $4,000. That said, if the case requires more support or becomes contested, the cost will increase significantly. This option is reserved for those who have a solid agreement and those who believe that their spouse will sign all the required documentation without the need for changes.

How much does it cost for representation in contested divorce, child custody or other types of family law cases?

The cost of representation for a contested case can vary significantly. While we are not able to provide an estimate, we usually leave it up to the client to gauge the level of expense. If you know your spouse has a tendency to argue every point or children and/or property is an issue, then expect divorce lawyer costs to increase. Our firm will always give you a recommendation in your best interest even if that means we earn much less. Our goal is not to earn the most money with divorce attorney costs, but instead to create a life-long relationship with our clients and this can only happen if you trust us and feel we exceeded your expectations.

Why are the costs of divorce and divorce lawyers so expensive?

We are in the business of helping our clients find peace and happiness and what we’ve found is that a divorce is as expensive as the parties allow it to get. There are some cases where the estate is sizable and as long as both parties stay cordial the cost of the divorce is minimal. On the other hand, there are some cases with limited assets where we feel we can finalize under a few thousand that grows to tens of thousands. Essentially, both parties are in full control of cost, if every issue has to be litigated in court, then HECK YES, the cost WILL INCREASE. If as a client, you choose not to participate or provide the required information the cost will increase as we will be required to follow up with you and do everything possible to prepare the case for the best possible outcome.

As you narrow your selection on who to hire, decide what you really want out of the divorce. Our goal is not to take a sizable chunk in attorneys fees, but instead to achieve the best possible results while helping you find peace and happiness.

How does the cost of your firm compare to others of the same caliber?

We are NOT cheap, but our divorce attorney costs are in the middle of the road when compared to other firms of similar size. That said, we are the only firm that will give you 10% back of our service fees to apply to a future case with our firm plus many extras. Contact us to schedule your consultation, or click below to learn more about discounted rates.

Why don’t all firms post cost information online?

Most firms want to get you in the door to increase the likelihood of closing the deal. They won’t provide retainer information or any idea of what an average case cost. WE ARE DIFFERENT, we don’t hide the ball, we want you to be an informed consumer who has all the information required to make the right call.

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Our Client Testimonials

Superb Law Firm

The decision to end my 25-year marriage was not an easy one, but hiring the Ramos Law Group was. From the initial consultation to the execution of the Divorce Decree everyone at the firm displayed the utmost professionalism and I was treated as if I was their only client. My attorney Lindsey, always provided precise legal guidance, was usually one step ahead of the opposing counsel, and had a superb understanding of how things would play out in the court room. Additionally, whenever my case needed a little extra horsepower, Mary provided that "surge" to keep things on track.

Worth Every Penny

"Ms. Ramos and her entire staff worked with professionalism and compassion to guide me through the most difficult time of my life and to an outcome that was best for my family and myself. Ramos Law is incredible and I highly, highly recommend their services."

Custody case won

"I was recommended to see Mary Ramos for my on coming custody case,it was the best thing I could've done honestly.The Ramos law group was quick with emailed responses and telephone calls,informative with ANY questions I had and they also took action with what they thought would work,which it did,I had money troubles and they were still willing to help they sent me with a younger lawyer Lindsey Lewis to help save some money and she was the best!She knew what she was doing and Mary was still on my case to make sure things went smoothly and to catch any details Lindsey and I might have missed.All in all I am a very satisfied client and if I ever needed a family lawyer again I would come back.My case was won as I received primary for my daughter which is exactly what I asked for.If you're willing to listen to what they have to say and follow their guidance they're definitely worth hiring.I thought I wanted sole custody for my daughter and they explained that wasn't in the best interest for her and honestly they were right,they speak to you on a professional level and also a real level of how things are actually going to work and what could happen if you take a certain action.They definitely care about their clients and make their own bond with you,you're not just money in their pockets you turn into family. "

Divorce Attorney

"I received excellent advice and representation from Ms. Lindsey Lewis. She kept me updated at every step of the process, and I never felt as if my case was set aside. I would hire The Ramos Law Group in the future. "

Highly recommend

"I started my divorce with a lawyer who was not very responsive. My divorce case was complicated and needed more laborious scrutiny. Since the case was not moving forward I had to switch lawyers. Made the switch to Ramos Law group. Since the very first day Mary and her team have been very efficient and meticulous. Since the case was complicated the team had to go through myriads of pages in discovery. I was pleased with the legal team that helped us handle the paperwork in a very timely manner. All my questions were answered very promptly. The relay of information was easy with their software system. We finally had a law firm that we could trust. My divorce was finalized and I only have Mary and her team to thank for going through a difficult divorce. I would highly recommend the Ramos law group for their help and support for getting my life back on track. "

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