9 Secrets to Keeping Attorney’s Fees and Costs Low in a Divorce

Sharmeela Kawos

Ms. Sharmeela Kawos exclusively practices Family Law and Domestic Relations. Originally from Afghanistan, Ms. Kawos is a 20-year California resident. She achieved her Doctorate in Jurisprudence, with an emphasis in Family Law and Intellectual Property Law from Golden Gate University, School of Law. Before joining Law Offices of David M. Lederman, Ms. Kawos performed employment and human resources legal compliance for Uber Technologies, Inc., where she managed Uber’s legal employment and business contracts and policies globally. Ms. Kawos is an active member of California Lawyers Association, an executive member of California Young Lawyers Association, Liaison to the Family Law Section, a member of California Lawyers Association’s Strategic and Long-Range Planning Committee, and a member of CLA’s Member Engagement Committee. She is also on the Board of Contra Costa County Bar Association, Family Law Section and the current Legislation Director.

I can’t stress enough the importance of being cognizant of your client’s attorney’s fees and costs. As we all know, there is no winning in a divorce. Both parties suffer a loss. What’s worse is knowing you are burning through children’s college funds because the parties are unable (or unwilling) to agree about even the most basic issues. As an attorney, you must be heavily involved in management and communications regarding your client’s attorney’s fees. Staying involved and helping your client make reasonable decisions can help save them thousands of dollars and prevent high unpaid client bills in collections. Below are ten tips for keeping attorney’s fees and costs low in a divorce.

1. Set Standards and Guidelines.