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Transparent Pricing

How It Works

Flat-rate stages. Pay as you go. Stop any time.

New cases and mid-case engagements alike begin with a single $500 Stage 1 — case analysis, background checks, strategy consultation, and a custom plan of action tailored to where your case stands right now. From there, you pay one stage at a time and decide after each stage whether to continue. No retainer. No hourly billing. No surprises.

Phase 1

Case Launch: $2,000

4 stages × $500 each

01
Stage 1 — Case Analysis, Brief & Strategy Consultation $500
This stage is required for all new cases. It establishes the factual and legal foundation your attorney needs to build effective strategy — whether you continue with full representation or handle things yourself.
  • Customized guided intake to extract all pertinent facts
  • Full review of your case file, court registry records & all available documentation
  • Background checks on both parties — you receive the full report plus attorney summary of how findings can be used in litigation (for and against)
  • Complete case brief — prepared by a licensed attorney with 18 years of experience
  • Access to FAQ library developed over 18 years of practice
  • One-on-one 30-minute strategy consultation with experienced attorney to strategize, explore options & answer your questions (15 min for Self-Representation tier)
02
Stage 2 — Pleadings, Hearing Preparation & Discovery $500
  • Complete petition set, or answer & counter-petition if you are the respondent — with all required documents
  • Preliminary hearing scripts: customized opening & closing statements, direct & cross-examination outlines — these become significantly more tailored in Phase 2 once your evidence is reviewed and integrated
  • Citation & service of process request
  • Request for TRO & temporary orders hearing
  • Temporary injunctions
  • Request for attorney's fees (if full representation)
  • Discovery requests — RFPs limited to paystubs & tax returns
03
Stage 3 — Filing & Service $500
  • Attorney files petition with the court
  • Filing fee & service of process fee included
  • Arrange and coordinate service of process
04
Stage 4 — Case Activation & Evidence Review $500
  • File return of service
  • Schedule temporary orders hearing & create notice (timing based on case readiness)
  • Review opposing party's response
  • Law firm evidence review session — upload all available evidence for attorney analysis and assessment
  • Attorney creates customized Phase 2 plan of action with flat-rate quotes for next steps — covering hearing preparation, financial exhibits, courtroom strategy, and more
Next Steps

What Happens After Phase 1?

Your customized roadmap is ready.

At the end of Phase 1, you'll have a complete case brief, filed petition, and a customized plan of action. Your Phase 2 plan includes flat-rate quotes for next steps specific to YOUR case.

Phase 2 Temporary Resolutions & Roadmap to Final

Customized plan of action with 4 equal installment payments. 1st: Evidentiary hearing scripts with exhibits woven in + courtroom preparation guide (FAQs, procedures & what to expect). 2nd: Exhibit creation & hearing preparation. 3rd: Attorney appearance at temp orders hearing (limited to 1.5 hrs of court time) — due 2 weeks prior to hearing date. 4th: Draft or review temporary orders & secure entry with court without objection or hearing required. Avg. ~$2,000 flat rate — varies by case complexity. Attorney may cancel hearing & withdraw if 3rd payment not received by 2 weeks prior to hearing date. Overage court time billed at $400/hr — due within 7 days of date of service.

Phase 3 Investigative (Often Optional)

Discovery, depositions, subpoenas, evidence gathering, child custody evaluations, amicus attorney appointments & other court-ordered assessments as needed. Not every case requires this phase.

Phase 4 Negotiation, Mediation & Resolution

Settlement negotiation, mediation, and entry of final order — or partial trial preparation if agreement cannot be reached.

Phase 5 Final Trial

Final trial preparation, trial appearance, and entry of final order with the court. All final trial payments due 90 days prior to trial date.

Each phase is quoted individually — you always know the cost before you commit.

Complexity-based pricing. Every case is different, so your Phase 2+ plan is tailored to your situation.
Budget Option

Self-Representation Path — $1,000 to Launch Your Case

Pay for Stages 1 & 2 only ($1,000) and receive everything you need to launch your case through a temporary orders hearing: 15-minute strategy call, plus the same attorney-quality documents as full representation — created by a licensed attorney with 18 years of family law experience. Petition set, legal brief, customized opening/closing statements, direct & cross-exam outlines, plus courtroom scripts to read in court. Your name appears on filings instead of the firm's. Every document is created specifically for your case.

* Pricing reflects a standard, typical case. Cases involving complex property division, custom provisions, business assets, or other non-standard issues may require additional drafting at supplemental rates.

Want full representation? You may request that the attorney accept your case for full representation at any time. Acceptance is at the attorney’s discretion. If accepted, it’s just $500 more for Stage 3 + $500 for Stage 4 to complete Phase 1, then continue with a customized plan for Phases 2–5.
Streamlined

Agreed Divorce

When both parties agree on all terms — $1,500 flat fee, all-inclusive.

  • Attorney drafts all documents, files with court, and coordinates everything
  • Filing fee & service of process included
  • Streamlined process — typically completed in 60–90 days
  • Same quality attorney-drafted documents as full representation

* Pricing reflects a standard, typical case. Cases involving complex property division, custom provisions, business assets, or other non-standard issues may require additional drafting at supplemental rates. Your attorney will advise you before any additional charges are incurred.

The Difference

Why This Is Different

Traditional Attorney
  • $5,000+ retainer
  • Hourly billing
  • Unknown total cost
  • Paralegal does the work
  • Locked in
Nemec Law
  • $500 to start
  • Flat rate per stage
  • Customized plan with flat-rate quotes at every phase
  • Attorney personally does the work
  • Stop or adjust after any stage
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a divorce cost in Texas?

Traditional attorneys charge $5,000–$15,000+ for a divorce, and the final cost is often unknown until the case is over. With our staged model, Phase 1 is $2,000 total, and you can stop after any stage. You always know what you're paying before you commit.

Do I have to pay for all 4 stages upfront?

No. You pay one stage at a time — $500 per stage. You are never locked in beyond the current stage and can stop or step back to self-representation at any time. Some clients prefer to pay for multiple stages at once — ask us about options when you get started.

When is each $500 payment due?

Each stage fee is due before work begins on that stage. Attorney appearance fees are due no later than 14 days before the scheduled hearing. Phase 5 (Trial) must be funded in full 90 days prior to trial. The attorney does not advance your case to the next stage or appear in court without payment being current.

What if I can't afford full representation?

Our Pro Se path is $1,000 for Stages 1 & 2 — and it's far more than just documents. You get a full case analysis with background checks on both parties, a complete case brief personally drafted by an attorney with 18 years of experience, custom hearing scripts (opening, closing, direct & cross-examination), courtroom guidance scripts you can read aloud in court, and a one-on-one strategy session with the attorney. Every document is created specifically for your case by an attorney with 18 years of experience. This is the same level of work product that full-representation clients receive. If your situation changes, you can ask the attorney to consider upgrading to full representation — just two more stages to complete Phase 1.

Do you handle cases outside of DFW?

Yes. We accept cases across Texas. DFW (Dallas, Tarrant, Denton, Collin) — no travel fee. Other counties — $150/hr travel. Centrally located in Coppell, TX. Remote options available to minimize travel costs when possible.

How long does a divorce take in Texas?

Texas has a mandatory 60-day waiting period. Agreed divorces can be finalized shortly after that period ends. Contested cases vary based on complexity, but your Phase 2 plan will include estimated timelines specific to your situation.

Who handles my case?

Our team handles intake, scheduling, and case preparation so you get fast, responsive service from day one. All legal strategy, document drafting, and courtroom representation is handled directly by Donald C. Nemec — 18 years of family law experience working on your case. No bait-and-switch.

Can I skip Stage 1 and go straight to filing?

No — Stage 1 is required for every case. Skipping the analysis phase is how people lose in court. Before a single document is drafted, the attorney needs to review the full case file, pull court records, run background checks on both parties, and understand the complete picture. This groundwork is what separates a prepared legal strategy from a rushed filing that misses critical facts. Stage 1 is the foundation — every document, hearing script, and courtroom strategy built in later stages depends on the work done here.

What if I've already been served?

Contact us immediately. We can prepare your answer and counter-petition in Stage 2. Time-sensitive deadlines apply — in Texas, you generally have until 10:00 a.m. on the first Monday after 20 days from service to file your answer. Don't wait.

When does representation officially begin?

The attorney must first agree to accept your case — acceptance is not guaranteed. Once your case is accepted, you’ll receive a formal confirmation. Stages 1 and 2 cover case analysis and document preparation, but court filings are not submitted until Stage 3 is paid because that payment covers the filing fees. Your case becomes active with the court at that point. Until then, the attorney is performing substantial work on your behalf, but nothing has been filed.

Available Add-Ons

5+ exhibits • Summary of requested relief & financial information statement exhibits (required by local rules) • Ex parte TRO for emergencies • Rule 106 alternative service of process • Skip trace & stakeouts for service of process • Responding to opposing party or third-party offensive actions • Amendments • Subpoenas • After-hours/weekend work • Writs • Enforcements • Property inventory & appraisals

Coverage

Accepting Cases Across Texas

DFW (Dallas, Tarrant, Denton, Collin) — No Travel Fee.

Other counties — $150/hr travel.

Centrally located in Coppell, TX. Remote options available to minimize travel costs when possible. Contact us for a quote on cases outside of DFW.

Ready to get started?