Why “Quick and Dirty” Rarely Saves Money in Family Law
In family law, there’s constant tension between controlling costs and doing thorough work. Sometimes that tension leads to shortcuts that seem efficient in the moment — but when they skip necessary steps, they often backfire.
For example, I’ve seen cases where lawyers relied entirely on the court reporter’s notes to track which exhibits were admitted into evidence. When I double-checked in one of my own cases, I found errors. If an exhibit isn’t formally admitted, the judge can’t legally rely on it when making a decision. Missing that step could change the outcome.
I’ve also seen deadlines extended to the last possible day in hopes that settlement talks would make further briefing unnecessary. If the case settles, that may save money. But if it doesn’t, you’re left scrambling at the eleventh hour. Important arguments can be missed, filings get sloppy, and judges notice. What looks like savings turns into weaker advocacy and greater risk for the client.
Why Does This Happen?
Attorneys are expensive. In the Bay Area, family law attorneys commonly charge between $300 and $500 per hour, consistent with statewide averages of about $368 per hour reported by Clio, a leading legal practice management platform.
Most clients have limited resources. Despite the Bay Area’s high incomes, savings levels are surprisingly low. Nearly half of San Francisco families have less than $2,000 in savings (Urban Institute), and Californians typically have only $20,200 in liquid assets (Public Policy Institute of California).
Attorney’s fees are hard to predict. At the start of a case, the attorney doesn’t have enough information to give an accurate forecast. Disclosures haven’t been exchanged, the other party’s positions are unclear, and court intervention may be necessary. What looks like a “simple” divorce — a short-term marriage with limited assets and no children — can quickly become expensive if one party refuses to play by the rules.
For example, I’ve seen opposing parties provide disclosures with unnecessary redactions. In one case, a paystub was redacted in a way that obscured a deposit. Because the party had also failed to disclose an account, the redaction created suspicion of hidden income. That forced additional document requests — costs that could have been avoided if the disclosure had been done properly the first time.
Add in behavior like refusing to comply with court orders or escalating conflict over emotional issues, and costs mount quickly. What might have started as a straightforward case can soon require additional discovery, motions, and far more attorney time.
All of these pressures push attorneys toward shortcuts. But in my experience, “quick and dirty” rarely saves money in the end.
How Do We as Family Law Attorneys Help Clients With Limited Resources?
Be transparent early. Have an honest conversation about likely costs, what’s essential, and what can be deferred or streamlined. Be upfront about the difficulty of predicting fees — most clients prefer candor to surprises.
Offer limited-scope options. Sometimes consulting or ghostwriting serves a client better than full representation they can’t sustain financially.
Communicate clearly. Keep clients updated on what you’re doing and why. When they understand the purpose behind each step, they’re more willing to invest in it.
Look for settlement opportunities. Encourage mediation or negotiation where appropriate. A well-prepared settlement can save thousands in fees while still protecting the client’s interests.
Final Thought
Family law is stressful enough without shortcuts that create bigger problems down the road. Clients don’t need “quick and dirty” — they need honest guidance, careful planning, and an attorney who helps them use their resources wisely.
If you or someone you know is facing a family law matter in California and wants clear, practical advice, I’d be glad to talk. And if you’re a professional who works with families — like a CPA, therapist, or financial advisor — I welcome conversations about how we can work together to better support clients.