The following are questions that are frequently asked of Ms. Halaby in a typical initial client consultation. Unlike other websites, the purpose of the "Frequently Asked Questions" section is to give you an understanding of Ms. Halaby's style, demeanor and perspective of any attorney/client relationship in a family law context.

What areas of law do you practice?
My practice is limited to family law. I am certified as a specialist in family law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. My practice of "family law" generally encompasses the following types of cases:

What is a Certified Family Law Specialist?
"When you choose a Certified Family Law Specialist to assist with your family law matter you have selected a person who has successfully met the high standard set by the California State Bar for education, experience, and knowledge in the field." Association of Certified Family Law Specialists, cited and reproduced from the page located at LINK.

For a more in-depth discussion about the type of training and expertise a Certified Family Law Specialist must exhibit, please go to LINK.

Why did you choose to practice family law?
Family law presents lawyers a unique opportunity to make a difference in people's lives. I enjoy being part of a process that assists people in becoming who they want to be and to live the kind of life they want. I believe that part of my job is to minimize the potential financial and emotional devastating effects of a divorce and other proceedings.

How do I know if you are the right lawyer for me?
It is important to remember that the relationship between a lawyer and her client is just like any other inter-personal relationship that you may have in your life: it is essential that you both communicate with one another. You will also need to make sure that the lawyer you choose is capable of meeting the goals that you set for yourself and your case. After meeting me and learning about my style, philosophy and competence, you will have to decide if I am the right lawyer for you.

How do I pay for your service?
The services I perform on your behalf will be charged at an hourly rate. In addition, you are responsible to pay any out-of-pocket expenses incurred on your behalf. For example, such costs could include filing fees, subpoena costs and messenger services.

You will be required to pay a retainer fee. Once the retainer fee is exhausted, you will be obligated to pay my monthly bill in full.

General information relating to customary billing practices of lawyers could be found on FindLaw.com.

What is a retainer and why is it necessary?
A retainer is the first sum of money paid to me to engage my services.

The amount of the retainer depends upon the circumstances of your case. You and I will discuss the issue in our first client meeting and will agree upon an amount that both of you and I are comfortable with.

The retainer is necessary because it secure me as your lawyer and provides me the security knowing that I will be paid at the outset of your matter.

The retainer will be deposited in the firm's attorney/client trust account in accordance with he rules of the State Bar of California. All interest earned on retainer fees which are deposited into our attorney/client trust account accrue to the benefit of the State Bar of California. However, in cases involving large retainer fees and/or other client funds, special arrangements can be made to deposit such amounts in separate interest bearing accounts, and in such case, the client will receive the interest accrued.

The firm withdraws that portion of the retainer from the attorney/client trust account once services are billed to you and there are no disputes on the billing. Once the retainer is depleted, you will be obligated to pay for my services in full and/or deposit an additional retainer, unless special arrangements have been made between us.

Will I or my spouse have to pay for your services?
You will be required and obligated to pay me for your services but whether or not your spouse will have to help you pay me will be dependent upon the circumstances of your case.

It is important to remember, however, that when yo retain me, you and I will enter in to a "Retainer Agreement." A Retain Agreement is a contract between you and I that sets forth our respective obligations. One of your obligations will be to pay me for the services I render on your behalf and for any of my out-of-pocket costs. Because you and I will have entered into a contract, you will be legally obligated to pay me directly.

There are circumstances, however, that could result in a Court ordering your spouse to pay a contributive share of the attorneys' fees and costs you owe me. If this were to occur, you will then have receive help in paying me if your spouse actually pays the fees and costs ordered. If not, or if there is any portion of the fees or costs unpaid, under the Retainer Agreement you will be legally obligated to pay me the fees and costs.

Do you perform mediation services?
Yes. I perform mediation services, which means that I am available to be hired by both partied to act as a mediator to assist them in amicably resolving their disputes. When that occurs, I do not represent the interests of either party and am not acting as an advocate.

Do you litigate your cases?
Each case requires a detailed strategy that needs to be developed with the issues and facts of the case in mind. There is not a "one size fits all" approach for every case. An amicable and cost-efficient resolution to each case is the desired result. However, sometimes that can only be achieved by utilizing "litigation tactics" for the sole purpose of litigating or for the purpose of unnecessarily making a case more expensive and lengthy. I believe that for each case it is my job to be thoroughly prepared on all the issues and to try to resolve them cost-efficiently; if that is not possible given the personalities or issues present in the case, it is my obligation to be prepared to litigate the case.