Step 1: Reaching Out: Phone Call or Online Form

Your first contact with our office can happen one of two ways:

1. Calling Our Office

When you call SW&L Attorneys, you will speak with our receptionist. They will gather basic information about your situation, such as:

  • The type of case (e.g., divorce, custody, adoption, name change, guardianship);
  • If a  case has been started or any papers have been served;
  • Any upcoming deadlines or court dates;
  • Names of the involved parties (to check for conflicts);
  • Whether the matter is contested or uncontested; or
  • Any preferences you may have (e.g., attorney gender preference, communication needs).

2. Completing Our Online Form

If you prefer, you can submit your information through our online form. This form collects the same basic details so we can connect you with the right attorney.

Once this initial information is collected, it is forwarded to a family law attorney at our firm.

Step 2: Consultation Call (10–15 Minutes)

After your information is reviewed, a conflict check will be run to ensure that we may represent you. Once the conflict check passes, a family law attorney will reach out to schedule or conduct a brief consultation by phone. These consultations typically last 10–15 minutes and are focused on understanding the specifics of your case.

During this call, the attorney may ask questions such as:

  • For a divorce case:
    • Are there minor children involved?
    • How long have you been married?
    • Do you and your spouse own real estate, businesses, or retirement accounts?
  • For a custody case:
    • What parenting schedule is currently in place, if any?
    • Have there been concerns about safety, communication, or relocation?
  • For an adoption matter:
    • Is the adoption private, agency-based, or stepparent adoption?
    • Does the other biological parent consent?

This deeper dive helps the attorney determine the complexity of the case and estimate the retainer amount needed if you choose to move forward.

Step 3: Receiving Your Retainer Quote

After reviewing the specifics of your situation, the attorney will inform you of the retainer amount during the call or shortly afterward.

What Is a Retainer?

In family law, representation typically begins with an upfront payment called a retainer. This retainer is placed in a trust account and billed against as work is completed on your case.

The total cost depends on factors such as the complexity of the matter, the level of court involvement, urgency, and the time required. As a result, you may receive a refund of any unused portion of your retainer at the conclusion of the case, or you may be responsible for paying any remaining balance on your bill after the retainer has been applied.

Step 4: Follow-Up Email; Agreement & Intake Form

If you choose to move forward, you will receive an email from the attorney or a paralegal containing:

  • Representation Agreement

This is the contract that outlines the attorney-client relationship, billing practices, and scope of representation.

  • Client Intake Form

This form gathers detailed factual information needed to begin your case, such as:

    • Important dates
    • Addresses and contact information
    • Parenting schedule preferences
    • Employment details
    • Background about the case

Completing this form thoroughly helps your attorney start working efficiently.

Step 5: Paying the Retainer

You will have several convenient options for submitting your retainer payment:

1. Pay by Check

Send or deliver a check to:

SW&L Attorneys

ATTN: Billing

4627 44th Ave. S, Ste. 108

Fargo, ND 58104

Checks should be made payable to SW&L Attorneys.

2. Pay by Credit Card by Phone or Email

Call our billing department at (701) 297-2890 during business hours
or
email [email protected] to arrange a payment.

3. Pay Online Through a Secure Link

You may also pay via the secure payment link included in your invoice email. You will need to call or contact the attorney or paralegal to set up a link.

Step 6: Moving Forward With Your Case

A case can move forward once the intake process is completed. The length of the intake process depends on how quickly the client pays the retainer and returns a signed representation agreement. After the intake process is complete, your attorney will reach out to confirm next steps and begin working on your case.

Every case is different, but your attorney will keep you informed about timelines, filings, and what to expect along the way.

Final Thoughts

A consultation with a family law attorney is your opportunity to understand the legal landscape, ask questions, and determine whether the attorney is the right fit for you. At SW&L Attorneys, we work hard to make the process efficient, transparent, and respectful of the personal nature of family law matters.

If you’re ready to get started, you can call us or fill out our online form– we’re here to help you take the next step with confidence. This article is for informational purposes only and is subject to our disclaimer.