Most lawyers charge an hourly rate for family law services. In some cases, an attorney may charge a flat fee for a specific service. You may also be asked to pay a retainer fee in advance, depending on the complexity of your case. Costs depend on many factors, such as the time your attorney spends on your case, the complexity of the issues, and the filing fees and other court expenses. Your attorney may be able to suggest ways that you can minimize your costs by taking some simple measures while your case is pending.