FAQs: Credit Card Processing Fees

Effective May 15, 2026, Ward Family Law Group will begin passing through to clients the credit card merchant processing fee that is charged by the credit card payment processor when clients choose to pay by credit card. This fee is 3.0% and reflects the actual cost charged by the credit card payment processor. This is a third-party cost, just like the filing fees to the Clerk of Court or services fees to the Sheriff or private process server; the firm does not add any markup.

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, the 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.

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 fee?
You can avoid the fee by paying with:
• Debit card
• eCheck/ACH
• Personal check
• Certified check or money order

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.