Court and Legal Fees

Clients are discouraged from having me subpoenaed or having me provide records for the purpose of litigation. Even though you are responsible for the testimony fee, it does not mean that my testimony will be solely in your favor. I can only testify to the facts of the case and to my professional opinion. Furthermore, if I see both a child and parent separately, there is an obvious conflict of interest. I would rather not damage the trust I have built in the counseling relationship with each client, especially if I am still seeing that person for therapy. If client has not been under my care for at least 8 consecutive sessions, I reserve the right to decline requests for written letters for legal purposes. 

If I am to receive a subpoena, the attorney or office staff will need to call my office and set up a time for the subpoena to be served during office hours. I request a minimum of 5 business days notice of any court appearance so that schedule changes for my clients can be made within a reasonable time frame. Please note: If a subpoena or notice to meet attorney(s) is received without a minimum of 5 business days notice, there will be an additional $250 express charge, which must be paid prior to my appearance in the courtroom.

When it comes to court action, the following fees are in effect:

1. Preparation Time (including submission of records): $200/hr (billable in 15 minute increments) 2. Phone calls: $200/hr (billable in 15 minute increments)

3. Depositions: $250/hour

4. Time required in Giving Testimony: $250/hour

5. Mileage: .40/mile

6. All attorney fees and costs that are incurred by me as a result of the legal action. 

7.  Filing documents with the court: $100 flat fee

8. The minimum charge for a court appearance: $1000

A retainer of $1000 is due at least 72 business hours before the scheduled court appearance. The remainder of the costs will be billed after the court appearance and will be due upon receipt. If I am subpoenaed, and the case is continued with less than 48 business hours notice prior to the beginning of the day of the scheduled court appearance and/or the testimony is not given, then the client will be charged $500 (in addition to original retainer of $1000 for having to appear in court). All fees listed above are doubled if the therapist is scheduled to be going out of town. Bills are presented to clients on a weekly basis and payment is expected upon receipt.