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This Agreement is entered into between ___ (“Client”) and the Law Office of Donald C. Nemec (“Attorney”), effective as of ___.
Client retains Attorney to provide legal representation in a ___ matter. Representation is limited to this specific matter and does not extend to other legal matters unless a separate written agreement is executed. Attorney will conduct a conflict check prior to commencing work. If a conflict is identified, Client will be notified and any payments will be refunded in full.
Attorney operates on a flat-rate, staged billing model. There is no traditional retainer and no hourly billing for standard stage work. Each stage fee is $500.00. Client pays one stage at a time and has no obligation to continue beyond any completed stage.
Phase 1 — The Launch (4 stages at $500 each):
Stage 1 is required for all engagements.
Respondent defense without counter-petition: $1,500 (three stages).
Phases 2–5 Overview: After Phase 1, Attorney will prepare a custom Plan of Action detailing the scope, deliverables, and flat-rate pricing for each subsequent phase. Typical Phase 2 ranges from $1,500–$3,500 depending on complexity and number of hearings. Phases include: Temporary Orders & Stabilization (Phase 2), Discovery & Investigation (Phase 3), Mediation & Settlement (Phase 4), and Trial & Final Orders (Phase 5). Not all cases require all phases.
Self-Representation Option (2 stages at $500 each): Client may elect the Self-Representation path (known legally as “Pro Se”) — two stages at $500 each. Client receives the same high-quality attorney-drafted documents, custom strategy brief, and step-by-step tactical instructions as Full Representation clients — but represents themselves in court. This path includes a 15-minute strategy call. Self-Representation clients have reduced access to firm personnel. Client may request to upgrade to Full Representation at any time, subject to Attorney’s acceptance.
Transition Between Paths: Full Representation clients who experience financial constraints may request to transition to Self-Representation assistance for the remainder of their case. Self-Representation assistance provides continued access to attorney work product with reduced personnel access. Transition is subject to Attorney’s approval.
Stages 3 and 4 of Phase 1 apply to Full Representation only. Phase 1 Self-Representation engagements conclude upon delivery of final non-watermarked documents and self-filing instructions at the end of Stage 2. Client may continue to engage the Firm for subsequent phases on a Self-Representation basis, with custom Plans of Action and pricing provided for each phase. Client may also upgrade to Full Representation at any stage, subject to Attorney’s acceptance.
Court filing fees and service of process costs (up to three attempts) are included in Stage 3 — no additional pass-through charges. Client does not pay filing fees separately. Extraordinary costs (depositions, expert witnesses, custody evaluations, amicus or ad litem attorneys) are not included in stage fees and will be quoted separately. Attorney will not incur these costs without Client's prior agreement.
Payment Methods:
Payment Timing: Stage fees are due before work begins on each stage. Attorney appearance fees are due no later than 14 days before the scheduled appearance. If payment is not received by the 14-day mark, Attorney may seek to cancel or reset the scheduled hearing and will initiate withdrawal from representation by filing a 10-Day Letter with the Court on the next business day. Phase 5 (Trial) must be funded in full 90 days prior to trial.
Each stage fee is earned incrementally as work is performed. If representation terminates mid-stage, Client is entitled to a pro-rata refund for work not yet performed.
Overage Policy: Each stage includes a defined scope of work with estimated time allocations. If Attorney’s time on a stage materially exceeds the estimate (e.g., court appearances exceeding 1.5 hours), overage time is billed at $400.00 per hour. Client will be notified before overage charges are incurred whenever reasonably practicable.
All client communications are managed through the Firm’s secure digital communication system. Client will receive instructions for accessing the communication portal upon completion of Stage 1. Administrative updates are delivered automatically.
Administrative Updates: Status updates regarding case timelines are provided at no additional cost.
Strategic Issue Credits ($99 each): Specific legal questions or case developments beyond routine status updates require a prepaid $99.00 Strategic Issue Credit. Each credit covers one legal issue. Attorney will notify Client if a matter is complex enough to require additional credits. Attorney endeavors to respond within a reasonable timeframe, typically 24–48 business hours, though response times may vary based on court schedules and caseload.
Attorney is not available for unscheduled phone calls. Scheduled attorney calls may be arranged through the Issue Credit system or as part of milestone deliverables. For urgent matters, Client may text (817) 382-8333 or schedule a paralegal call at nemeclaw.com/book. Paralegal consultations are available at $200.00 per session (up to 15 minutes), which includes paralegal time and attorney review. For most legal questions, the $99.00 Strategic Issue Credit is the faster and more cost-effective option.
Attorney utilizes proprietary legal technology, artificial intelligence, and automated systems for case analysis, document drafting, research, and public records intelligence. All AI-generated work product is personally reviewed, verified, and refined by Donald C. Nemec before being filed, delivered, or relied upon. Client’s data is processed through enterprise-grade secure platforms only. Client expressly consents to the use of these tools.
Attorney conducts publicly available background checks on all parties for case evaluation purposes. Client consents to this research.
Client consents to audio recording and AI-assisted transcription of all telephone consultations and verbal communications. Recordings are maintained as confidential case file materials.
Attorney does not provide tax advice. Client agrees to seek independent tax advice from a qualified professional regarding all tax implications of the case, including property division, support payments, and asset transfers. Client holds Attorney harmless from any tax consequences.
Client agrees to: (a) provide truthful and complete information — the accuracy of legal work depends on Client’s disclosures; (b) respond to communications within 48 hours; (c) appear at scheduled hearings or arrange in advance; (d) not take unilateral case actions without consulting Attorney; (e) keep Attorney informed of changes in circumstances or contact information; (f) cooperate fully with intake questionnaires and document requests.
All strategy briefs, courtroom scripts, tactical instructions, and AI command sets are proprietary. Materials are for Client’s personal use only. Unauthorized sharing constitutes a breach subject to $5,000.00 liquidated damages per occurrence.
Client’s Right: Client may terminate at any time by written notice. Fees for completed stages are earned and non-refundable. Unearned portions are refunded pro-rata.
Attorney’s Right: Attorney may withdraw for good cause, including nonpayment (14+ days), failure to cooperate or respond (14+ days), false information, or ethical conflict. Failure to fund any stage 14 days prior to a court deadline constitutes a material breach. Attorney will issue a 10-Day Notice of Intent to Withdraw per the Withdrawal Consent Addendum signed concurrently with this Agreement.
Representation is not terminated until the Court grants Attorney’s Motion to Withdraw.
Emergency matters (TROs, Writs, Protective Orders, bond issues, CPS removals) are quoted separately. Crisis intervention starts at $500; TRO/Writ missions typically start at $1,500.
Attorney does not and cannot guarantee any particular outcome. Opinions about likely outcomes are professional judgment, not promises.
Case files are maintained in digital format for five (5) years following conclusion of the matter. After the retention period, files may be destroyed without further notice. Requests for file copies during or after representation may be subject to reasonable administrative fees.
This Agreement is governed by Texas law and the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct. Venue: Tarrant County, Texas. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior discussions. Modifications require written consent of both parties. If any provision is unenforceable, the remainder continues in full force.
In the event of a fee dispute, parties agree to attempt good faith negotiation, followed by mediation in Tarrant County if necessary.
This Addendum is incorporated into and made part of this Agreement. It may be presented to the Court as an exhibit in support of any Motion to Withdraw.
Just as Client has no obligation to continue beyond any completed stage and may stop at any time, Attorney must have a reciprocal ability to withdraw from representation under appropriate circumstances. This Addendum establishes a fair, transparent process for both parties.
1. INFORMED CONSENT. Client has been informed that Attorney may withdraw from representation under the circumstances described in Section 10, including nonpayment for 14+ days, failure to cooperate for 14+ days, provision of false information, or ethical conflict.
2. TEN-DAY LETTER AND MOTION TO WITHDRAW. When Attorney determines withdrawal is necessary, Attorney will file a Motion to Withdraw and a 10-Day Letter with the Court, requesting the Court grant the withdrawal after ten (10) calendar days. The 10-Day Letter serves as formal notice to Client and the Court that Attorney intends to withdraw. Client will receive a copy of the filed Motion and 10-Day Letter via email or text message.
3. CLIENT CONSENT. Client hereby provides informed, voluntary consent to Attorney’s withdrawal if the 10-Day Notice period expires without cure. Client understands that:
4. WAIVER OF OBJECTION. Client waives objection to Attorney’s Motion to Withdraw based on lack of notice or consent, provided the 10-Day Notice procedure was followed.
5. COURT EXHIBIT. Client acknowledges this Addendum may be attached to any Motion to Withdraw as proof of informed consent.
Confirm your understanding and provide your electronic signature.
Your attorney-client agreement has been signed and submitted. A copy has been sent to your email.
Pay your first stage fee ($500) to begin work on your case.