Fees & Policies
One transparent hourly rate for every service — record review, plan preparation, deposition, and trial. No markups, no surprises, and itemized invoices so you always know where the time went.
Rates
| Service | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Professional services | $300 / hour | Record review, research, needs assessment, cost projections, report and life care plan preparation, conferences, and correspondence |
| Deposition & trial testimony | $300 / hour | Same rate — including preparation time. Minimum deposition reservation: 4 hours |
| Travel time | $300 / hour | When on-site evaluations or in-person testimony require travel |
| Minimum retainer | $1,500 | Due at engagement — a deposit applied against time billed, not an extra fee |
| Costs & expenses | At cost | Records procurement, copying, postage, and travel expenses — passed through with no markup |
Payment Timeline
How billing works, start to finish
- Initial inquiry A brief call to discuss the case, the records available, your deadlines, and whether the matter is a fit — no charge.
- Engagement You receive the Fee Agreement. Work begins upon receipt of the signed agreement and the $1,500 minimum retainer.
- During the engagement Time is billed at $300/hour against the retainer, with itemized invoices. For larger matters, replenishment of the retainer may be requested as work progresses.
- Before the report — and before testimony Outstanding balances are due before the final report is released and before any scheduled deposition or trial testimony.
- At conclusion A final reconciliation: any unused retainer is refunded promptly; any balance for time beyond the retainer is invoiced and due on receipt.
Common Questions
Fee FAQ
What does the $1,500 minimum retainer cover?
It is an advance deposit equal to five hours of professional time. It is applied against actual time billed at $300/hour — record review, research, plan preparation, conferences, and testimony. It is not an additional charge on top of the hourly rate.
When is payment due?
The retainer is due at engagement — work begins when the signed Fee Agreement and retainer are received. Invoices for time beyond the retainer are due on receipt.
What happens if the work takes more than five hours?
Most comprehensive life care plans do. Additional time is billed at the same $300/hour rate with itemized invoices, and for larger matters a replenishment retainer may be requested as work progresses — you will always know where the engagement stands.
Are your fees contingent on the outcome of the case?
Never. Fees are based solely on time at $300/hour and are not contingent on the content of any opinion or the outcome of any claim or case. That independence is what makes the opinions defensible.
Is there a written fee agreement?
Yes. Every engagement begins with the written Fee Agreement — it covers the hourly rate, the $1,500 minimum retainer, invoicing, and expenses.