Payment and Fee FAQs
Why is the firm adding a 3.0% fee for credit card payments?
Credit card companies charge a merchant processing fee for each credit card transaction. Beginning May 15, 2026, our firm will pass through this 3% processing fee when a client chooses to pay by credit card. The cost charged to the client is the actual cost charged by the processor; the firm does not add any markup.
Where will I see the fee? When will I pay it?
If you choose to pay your fee for the initial consultation, pay off an existing invoice by credit card, or are paying a flat fee for legal services, then the 3% processing fee will appear on the payment screen before you complete the transaction, and you pay the fee then. You will receive a receipt that will show the payment amount and the credit card fee as a separate line item. Otherwise, you will see the processing fee charge as a third-party expense on your invoice with the firm. It is treated the same way as any other hard expense that the Firm incurs on your behalf in the representation, such as a filing fee to the Court, the Register of Deeds, or a courier or process server fee.
Can you waive the fee for certain clients or certain charges as a courtesy?
No. The processor payment fee that credit card companies charge affect all credit card payments.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
If you have any questions, please email us at contact@wardfamilylawgroup.com. We are happy to help you choose the payment method that works best for you.
Will I be charged a fee if I pay by debit card?
No. Debit card payments do not incur any fee.
What about eChecks or ACH payments?
There is no fee for eCheck/ACH payments.
Can I still pay by personal check or certified check?
Yes. You may continue to pay by personal check, certified check, or money order with no fee.
Does the firm profit from this fee?
Absolutely not. This 3% fee is a direct cost charged by the payment processor. The firm does not add any additional charge.
How can I avoid the 3% fee?
You can avoid the fee by paying with:
• Debit card
• eCheck/ACH
• Personal check
• Certified check or money order
I read that the average family law case costs $15,000, is that true?
It all depends on the issues in dispute and the willingness of the parties to resolve the issues in a fair and reasonable manner. Some parties will argue over every issue and will spend thousands and thousands of dollars in attorney’s fees and other litigation expenses. We have found that parties can keep their attorney’s down if both parties have reasonable expectations and are willing to make some concessions in order to work toward settlement. We emphasize that it takes willingness from both parties to resolve the case. If your spouse is unwilling to negotiate, has some psychological issue that prevents him/her from dealing with you rationally and reasonably, or the parties simply cannot agree on an issue and both have good, relevant legal arguments, then you may forced to spend more in attorney’s fees and other case-related costs.
Is there anything I can do to help keep the fees down?
Yes. Be actively involved in your case. Take the time and trouble to learn what’s going on. Follow your lawyer’s instructions. Volunteer to help with the work whenever possible. Have reasonable expectations of your lawyer. Watch for ways to settle issues. Don’t insist on fighting to the last drop of blood over small issues or for a supposed principle. When talking to your lawyer, avoid long, detailed stories unless your lawyer assures you it’s necessary information.
Can I make my spouse pay my fees?
A court may order a spouse to contribute to the fees of the other spouse. If you get such an order, your lawyer will credit what is actually paid to your account. But seeking such an order does not change your obligation to pay the balance that you owe to your own lawyer. Also, many lawyers do not accept cases on the possibility that the other spouse will be required to pay the fee by court order.