FAQs

This is a deeply personal question that I am often asked. The truth is, you do not need an attorney in order to finalize your family law action. Anyone can represent themselves throughout their case. However, an attorney can make the difference between many hearings where you do not know how to move your case forward, or ask for what you need, versus finishing your case with a minimum of court hearings and time to resolution. Having an attorney, or access to the advice of one, can save the time and stress that you may incur if you do not have an attorney.

The Law Office of Karen Suri is a family law firm that handles issues such as divorce, child custody, visitation, domestic violence, child support, including LGBTQ issues. I handle uncontested and default divorce, and I also handle guardianship cases.

I know that talking to an attorney can be intimidating. I enjoy making the process accessible and as stress free as possible for my clients in order to encourage them to seek quality legal help. I care about your case strategy, and I care about guiding you through your litigation in a way that makes you comfortable, and that you understand. I love creative problem solving and apply that passion to each and every one of my cases.

I want to make representation work for you, and provide different services and fee structures in order to get you the help you need. If you only need to answer a question, I am happy to do that. If you need full representation in your case, I am happy to do that. If you want me to do a part of your case, we can also do that. I provide flexible options so you can have the help you need in a way that works for you.

As a Certified Family Law Specialist, I have been recognized by the State Bar of California as having an expertise in the area of Family Law. In order to become a certified specialist, one must pass an exam in addition to the Bar Exam. Hiring a Certified Family Law Specialist gives you the peace of mind that your attorney is one of the most knowledgeable attorneys in family law in the State of California. This will give you peace of mind that your attorney is able to handle your complex issues, assets, and concerns.

Please contact my office via phone to set up an appointment to meet and do your consultation. At the consultation, I will discuss your case with you and provide you my opinion on what needs to be done. If that is all you need to finish your case, then I am satisfied that my job is done. If you need additional services, we will discuss putting those in place according to what works for you.

Once your contract for services is signed, and I have received payment according to our agreement, I will begin work on your case.

There is no flat fee answer to this question as every divorce, and family law case, is different as are the needs of each individual client. It is through the consultation that we can both figure out the best strategy for resolving your issues. For example, if you have an uncontested or default divorce where both parties are in agreement or the respondent is not in the case and there is no need for litigation, I may be able to provide you a flat fee for that service. In a lengthy child custody case, it may be better to explore unbundled representation to make it affordable.

I offer different fee structures to fit your needs. Sometimes a one-hour consultation is all you need to get you on the right track in your case. I provide the following options to maximize the flexibility you have in resolving your case. You can choose a combination of services if it the right fit, or just one:

• Initial consultation: In the one hour consultation my goal is to answer your questions, provide you with a case strategy, and discuss representation options.
• Retainer agreement: An hourly agreement where I represent you in your case until the agreed upon services are resolved.
• Unbundled or Flat Fee Services: A flat fee for an agreed upon portion of that case, with the understanding that you will handle all other portions of the case.

I prefer to minimize phone tag and my client’s time spent coming to meetings if at all possible. I am happy to do phone meetings to answer questions, and I work through email to communicate more quickly and efficiently in your case. I also accommodate requests to work solely in person and phone if that is more comfortable for you.

My goal is to provide clear, efficient, excellent and affordable representation in your case. I apply my problem solving skills both to your case and to what structure will best suit you to finish your case with my office in an efficient and transparent manner.

I am happy to provide payment plans when I am able to do so. It is important to me that my clients have access to affordable and excellent representation.

I accept cash, credit cards, and checks.