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.

Unlike many attorneys who practice multiple areas of law, I focus exclusively on family law matters. This specialization allows me to stay current on the latest developments and provide focused expertise to my clients

Do you offer a free consultation?

We occasionally offer 30-minute complimentary consultations when our schedule permits. These sessions allow you to review your case with an attorney and understand our services and approach. When available, these will be clearly listed on our appointments page.

For those seeking a comprehensive evaluation, we offer 1-hour paid Strategy Sessions. These provide in-depth case analysis, detailed strategy explanation, and review of your options. They are ideal for clients wanting thorough guidance before making representation decisions, determining if we are a good fit, or simply seeking a second opinion. If you retain us, the the fee paid for the strategy session is credited toward your first bill.

You can view all available consultation options at www.atharkhan.com/appointments.

What is a Strategy Session?

We call our paid consultations "Strategy Sessions" to distinguish them from both our complimentary consultations and the typical sales-focused "free consultations" offered by most attorneys.

A Strategy Session is a focused, working session designed to deliver real value.

In this one-hour meeting with an attorney, you will receive a clear and direct evaluation of your situation, an explanation of your legal options, and honest insight into what next steps may be appropriate. Regardless of whether you choose to retain us, our goal is for you to leave the session with clarity and direction based on your specific needs. If you do retain us, any fee paid for the Strategy Session will be credited toward your first bill.

You can check availability and schedule a Strategy Session on our appointments page.

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 or 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. The retainer is held in a client trust account and applied toward your legal fees as work is performed. When your case concludes or if you end our representation, we promptly return any remaining funds.

Do you offer flat-fee services? 

Almost all 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 and postnuptial agreements?

Yes. We prepare and review both prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. We can draft an agreement for you or review one that has been presented to you.

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

Yes. We conduct a conflict check for every potential client. If this reveals that your interests are directly adverse to another client or that we possess confidential information from a former client that could be used in your matter, we must decline representation. If we discover a conflict after you have paid for a consultation, any fees paid will be refunded.

We may also decline matters that conflict with our values or where another attorney may be a better fit. If we cannot accept your case, we will let you know during the initial consultation and offer referrals.

What are your hourly fees? 

Our billing rates range from $180/hour to $540/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. Whenever possible, we delegate tasks to team members with lower hourly rates to reduce your overall expenses. Our goal is to provide excellent representation while being mindful of the total cost to you.

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 third-party financing. We do not add surcharges for credit card payments or deduct processing costs from your payment. The full amount you pay is credited to your account.

Can you offer me a lower hourly rate?

No. Our rates reflect the level of experience and service we provide. However, we work to keep your total costs down by delegating appropriate tasks to team members with lower rates and accepting credit cards and offering 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 on our appointments page. If you need a different time, please book any available slot and then contact us to reschedule to your preferred time.