Do you have any special background, training, or experience to be a family law attorney or call yourself a specialist?

Yes. I am a family law specialist certified by the State Bar of California’s Board of Legal Specialization.

The State Bar grants this certification only to attorneys who exceed standard licensing requirements.

In order to become a certified family law specialist, and maintain my specialization:
(1) I passed an additional bar examination focused solely on family law;
(2) I dedicate 100% of my practice to family law;
(3) I receive training (“continuing education”) in family law every year;
(4) The State Bar reviewed my past cases to verify that I have “broad-based and comprehensive experience in family law”; and,
(5) I received favorable evaluations by other attorneys and judges familiar with my work in family law.

Do you offer a free consultation?

We offer both free 30-minute and paid one-hour consultations. The free 30-minute consultation is best suited for getting to know us and our approach. The one-hour consultation allows more time for an in-depth analysis, tailored advice, or a second opinion.

What is your retainer fee? 

The initial deposit to establish a client trust account (commonly referred to as a “retainer”) varies depending on the urgency and complexity of the case. Most retainers are $7,500 or less. For clients with multiple overlapping cases (e.g., divorce, domestic violence, and child support), the retainer ranges from $6,500 to $10,000.

Is the retainer/deposit refundable? 

Of course! Any unused portion of your retainer is fully refundable.

Do you offer flat-fee services? 

Most of our work is billed hourly, as flat-fee arrangements in litigation typically do not serve the client’s best interests. However, for some non-litigation matters such as reviewing prenuptial, postnuptial, or settlement agreements, we may occasionally offer flat-fee options.

Do you prepare or review prenuptial agreements?

Yes. We can prepare a prenuptial agreement on your behalf, or review one that you have been asked to sign.

 Are there any types of cases that you do not accept?

Yes. We may decline matters that conflict with our values or where another attorney may be a better fit. If that is the case, we will let you know during the initial consultation and offer referrals to attorneys better suited to your situation.

What are your hourly fees? 

Our billing rates range from $250/hour to $550/hour, depending on the nature of the work and the person performing it. We use technology, including artificial intelligence, to streamline processes and keep costs down. When possible, we delegate tasks to team members with lower hourly rates to reduce your overall expenses.

Do you bill in 6-minute or 15-minute increments? 

Neither. We bill for the actual time spent on a task. So, if we spend 19 minutes on something, you will be billed for 19 minutes, not for 24 minutes (as per 6-minute billing) or for 30 minutes (as per 15-minute billing).

Will I be charged for meetings, phone calls, and emails? 

Yes, though only for the actual time spent. We use time-tracking tools to ensure accuracy. Additionally, some communications may be discounted or not billed, depending on the circumstances.

What if I cannot pay my entire bill?

We accept all major credit cards, and offer financing through third-party lenders.

Can you offer me a lower hourly rate?

No. our rates reflect the level of experience and service we provide. However, we do accept credit cards and offer third party financing to make our services more accessible.

When are you available for a consultation?

You can view available consultation options and book directly at www.atharkhan.com/appointments. If your preferred date or time is unavailable, please book the earliest available consultation to secure your spot. Then, contact us with your preferred date and time, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.