At Pacific Northwest Family Law, clear and professional communication about money is an essential part of ethical legal representation. This page exists to make submitting payments simple and secure.
Understanding Payments at Pacific Northwest Family Law
Legal services are billed based on the time and work required for your matter. Depending on your case, payments may include:
- Advanced fee deposits held and applied in accordance with ethical rules and your engagement agreement
- Invoices reflecting legal work already performed
- Replenishment payments when additional work is required
Your specific payment structure is outlined in your engagement agreement and discussed directly with your attorney.
All payments are processed through secure, third-party systems designed specifically for legal practice.
Submitting a payment does not change the strategy of your case, accelerate court timelines, or substitute for communication with your legal team. Payments simply allow work to continue in accordance with your engagement agreement.
If you would like a fuller explanation of how billing works at Pacific Northwest Family Law—including advanced fee deposits, invoices, and case planning—you may review the guide below:
Making a Payment
To submit a payment, please select the option that applies to your matter.
When you click a payment button, you will be taken to a secure payment processor in a new browser tab to complete your transaction.
Make an Advanced Fee Deposit (Trust Deposit)
Use this option if you have been asked to submit or replenish an advanced fee deposit. Funds submitted through this option remain client funds and are deposited into the firm’s trust account in accordance with Washington State Bar Association rules.
Pay an Invoice
Use this option only if you have received an invoice and are submitting payment for work already performed.
Please ensure you are submitting payment for the correct client matter before proceeding.
By submitting payment, you authorize Pacific Northwest Family Law to charge the card or bank account you select for the amount entered.
Funds held in trust are applied to invoices for legal services as those services are earned. Any unused trust balance may be refunded in accordance with your engagement agreement, typically using the same payment method by which the funds were received.
If you are submitting payment on behalf of a client and are not the client, please ensure that a Third-Party Payor Agreement is on file and clearly reference the client matter when making payment.
Important Notes About Payments
- Payments are not confidential communications and should not include case details, messages, or questions.
- Submitting payment does not replace direct communication with your attorney or legal team regarding strategy, timing, or decisions.
- If you believe an invoice contains an error, contact you attorney promptly so it can be reviewed.
Questions About Billing
Questions about invoices or billing should be directed to the attorney leading your case. That attorney is responsible for the strategy, work performed, and billing decisions in your matter and is best positioned to address questions accurately and efficiently.