FAQs

Following are frequently asked questions about Rice Law. For questions relating to family and education law, view a topic to the left, visit our legal library, or contact us.

• Do you handle divorce cases?
• Do you handle child custody cases?
• Do you handle divorce Separation Agreements?
• Do you handle property settlements?
• Do you handle wills?
• Do you handle speeding or traffic tickets?
• Will you apply the initial consultation fee to my retainer?
• Do you take same-day appointments?
• Will you perform legal work for free or at a discounted rate?
• What are your fees?
• I want to sue a public school. Will you represent my case?
• Can I move out without a Separation Agreement?
• Can you give me some advice on the phone?
• What are your hours?
• How long is an initial consultation?
• What is the initial consultation fee?
• What should I bring with me to the initial consultation?
• Can I bring my kids with me?
• Can I bring someone with me to the consultation?

Do you handle divorce cases?

Yes. Rice Law attorneys are well-versed in North Carolina family law relating to divorce.

Do you handle child custody cases?

Yes. Rice Law attorneys are well-versed in North Carolina family law relating child custody. We realize that child cases are important and treat each case with great care.

Do you handle divorce Separation Agreements?

Yes.

Do you handle property settlements?

Yes.

Do you handle wills?

We generally do not handle wills.

Do you handle speeding or traffic tickets?

No.

Will you apply the initial consultation fee to my retainer?

No.

Do you take same-day appointments?

In order to provide our clients with the best personalized service, we do not accept same-day appointments.

Will you perform legal work for free or at a discounted rate?

Rice Law provides pro-bono publico services through civic and other local organizations. We do not generally accept walk-in pro-bono clients. For discounted or pro-bono legal representation, contact the Legal Aid of North Carolina.

What are your fees?

While fees depend on the complexity of the case, following are typical fees:

• Divorce – flat fee for divorce only $500
• Uncontested divorce – flat fee for divorce only $500
• Separation agreement – flat fee for simple agreement only $500
• Child custody case – fee depends on the case complexity and whether it is settled (outside of court) or litigated (in court). Child custody cases typically start at $3,000; $8,000 tends to be the cost of an average child custody case.

I want to sue a public school. Will you represent my case?

No. Rice Law offers legal services and counsel relating to Title IV Financial Aid or the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1232g et. seq.

Can I move out without a Separation Agreement?

Yes; however, there may be legal consequences. Consult an attorney regarding your unique situation.

Can you give me some advice on the phone?

Rice Law can only offer advice to existing clients via telephone.

What are your hours?

Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

How long is an initial consultation?

The length of an initial consultation depends on your legal issue and its complexity. Our attorneys will allocate at least one hour for your initial consultation, but may spend up to two hours with you at the initial consultation.

What is the initial consultation fee?

The initial consultation fee is $175 and is payable by cash or check. We do not accept credit cards.

What should I bring with me to the initial consultation?

Bring the following to your initial consultation:

• Any existing court papers, such as motions, orders, or any documents served on you
• List of property
• Completed New Intake Form
• Any other items that Rice Law recommended that you bring with you

Information needed typically includes:

• Current income (e.g., current pay stub)
• Dates and highlights of previous separations and attempts at reconciliation (e.g., marriage counseling)
• Domestic contracts, such as pre-nuptial agreements
• Full address and phone number of you and your spouse
• Full names, birth dates, and addressses of all offspring from the marriage, plus their school and grade
• Information about previous legal proceedings between the spouses or involving the children
• Information about prior marriages, including certified Decrees of Divorce
• List of substantial assets, liabilities, and debts of both spouses
• Tax data – your previous year's income tax return, IRS-releated data

Can I bring my kids with me?

We recommend that children be excluded from your initial legal consultation. Hire a a sitter, or have a friend or parent to sit with your children. This will allow us to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of your legal consultation. This is an important life decision and issue — and it requires your focus.

Can I bring someone with me to the consultation?

Yes, however, they may not sit through all of the consultation, because their presence will waive the attorney/client priviledge.