What AltFee Modern Pricing Certified Means for You
Divorce is already stressful. Wondering how much your attorney is going to bill you shouldn’t add to that. As an AltFee certified divorce attorney in Dallas, here’s what our certification means — and why it matters to you.
AltFee Modern Pricing Certified · 30+ Years Dallas Family Law · 300+ Five-Star Reviews
What AltFee Modern Pricing Certified Actually Means
The AltFee Modern Pricing Certification is awarded to law firms that have made a genuine, verifiable commitment to transparent, client-first pricing. Wondering how much your attorney is going to bill you shouldn’t add to that. As an AltFee Modern Pricing Certified firm, we offer flat-fee pricing on most matters — meaning you know your cost upfront, before we ever file a single document. No surprise invoices. No watching the clock during every phone call. This certification isn’t just a badge; it’s our commitment to putting you in control of your legal budget from day one. You deserve predictability during one of the most unpredictable times of your life.
This isn’t a discount. It’s a different way of doing business — one that respects your time, your budget, and your need for certainty during an uncertain chapter of your life.
Hourly Billing vs. Flat Fee Pricing
| Traditional Hourly Billing | Our Flat Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| When you learn the cost | After the work is done | Before the work begins |
| Risk of cost overrun | High — contested cases average $15,000–$25,000+ | None — fee is fixed |
| Phone calls and emails | Billed in 6- or 15-minute increments | Included in your flat fee |
| Court appearances | Billed per appearance | Included |
| Negotiations and mediation | Billed hourly | Included |
| Contested cases available? | Yes (hourly) | Yes — flat fee even for contested |
| Who absorbs extra work? | You (the client) | The firm |
| Budget certainty | Low | Complete |
Traditional Hourly Billing:
You learn the cost after the work is done
Contested cases average $15,000–$25,000+
Phone calls and emails billed in 6-15 minute increments
Court appearances billed per appearance
You absorb all extra work
Our Flat Fee:
You know the cost before we begin
Fee is fixed — no overruns
Phone calls and emails included
Court appearances included
The firm absorbs extra work
Why Most Law Firms Still Bill by the Hour
The hourly billing model has dominated law firms for decades. It’s familiar, it’s easy to administer, and — frankly — it’s profitable for attorneys regardless of how efficiently they work.
AltFee exists to change that. Their certification program recognizes firms that have made a genuine commitment to alternative pricing — flat fees, fixed pricing, and arrangements that put the client in control of costs rather than at the mercy of a running clock.
We pursued this certification because we believe you deserve to know what your divorce will cost before you commit to anything. That belief is baked into how we operate every day.
How AltFee Certified Pricing Works
- Free Consultation - We meet to understand your situation: assets, children, the level of agreement or disagreement with your spouse
- We Quote Your Flat Fee - Based on the specifics of your case, we provide a flat fee quote. You will know the full cost before signing anything.
- You Decide - No pressure. Take Time to review. If you move forward, your fee is agreed upon in writing.
- We Handle Everything - Filings, correspondence, negotiations, hearings - all included in your flat fee. No timer running.
- Your Case Concludes - Your divorce is finalized. The bill you signed matches the bill you pay. No surprises.
Who Benefits Most From AltFee Certified Pricing
- Anyone anxious about unpredictable legal bills
- Business owners who need to budget legal costs in advance
- Parents focused on custody who can't afford billing surprises
- Anyone pursuing an agreed or uncontested divorce
- High-conflict cases where hourly billing could spiral quickly
If cost certainty matters to you — AltFee certified pricing is exactly what you need.
What Clients Say
“I had a great experience with this law office from start to finish. Everyone was very thorough and professional handling my case with expertise. Their communication and diligence went above and beyond my expectations. I am very glad I chose to have them represent me and would highly recommend this office to others.”
“I was appalled by the predatory practices employed by some other firms… I much preferred the approach centered around professional legal services offered by the Schmiedeke firm.”
“Don’t hesitate to hire these folks! They were very detailed about the divorce process from day 1, they were willing to fight for me, and their communication exceeded my expectations! Not only were they abundantly knowledgeable about every detail, they were also extremely emotionally present.”
300+ Reviews. Serving Dallas and surrounding counties since 1993.
AltFee Certified — Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is AltFee Modern Pricing Certification?
AltFee is an organization that certifies law firms committed to transparent, client-friendly pricing. To become certified, a firm must demonstrate that alternative pricing — including flat fees — is a core part of how they do business, not just an occasional exception. It means when you hire us, you’re working with a firm that has made predictable pricing a permanent commitment.
Does AltFee certified mean all cases are the same price?
No. Each case is quoted individually based on its specific facts — assets, children, level of disagreement, and complexity. What AltFee certification means is that you receive that quote upfront, before work begins, and it doesn’t change. One case may be priced differently than another, but yours will be fixed from day one.
How is the flat fee amount determined?
During your free consultation, we evaluate the key factors: children, property, level of disagreement, and any special circumstances. Based on that, we quote a flat fee that covers your entire case from start to finish.
Do I have to pay the full amount up front?
We work with you on payment structure. The specifics are discussed during your consultation, but the total amount is agreed upon before we begin — no surprises down the road.
Why don't more attorneys offer flat fees on contested cases?
Most attorneys say contested cases are too unpredictable to price upfront. What that means is they are inefficient and put all the uncertainty on you. After 30+ years handling contested divorces in Dallas County, we have the experience to accurately scope what a case requires. That experience is what makes this possible.
Ready to Work With an AltFee Certified Attorney?
Schedule a free consultation with us. We’ll review your situation and give you a flat fee quote with no obligation.