When you speak, I guarantee you will be heard
Flat-Fee Family Law in Suffolk County
Zacarese & Zalewski P.C.
Call now: 516-660-4354
Know exactly what your case costs before any work begins. One flat fee covers all pre-trial work in Suffolk County Family Court. A trial fee applies only if your matter goes to trial.
"He didn't just win my case. He gave me back my future, my peace of mind, and my ability to breathe again."
From the very first conversation, he changed everything. He didn't just see a case, he saw me, and treated me like family. His knowledge of the law was unmatched, but what truly set him apart was his humanity. If you are looking for a lawyer, stop searching right now.
Know What It Costs. Before You Begin.
Family law is stressful enough. At Zacarese & Zalewski P.C., your fee is fixed in writing before any work begins, so the surprise isn't the bill.
One Flat Fee for Pre-Trial. A Separate Trial Fee Only If You Go to Trial.
At Zacarese & Zalewski P.C., from your first filing to a final order, we explain your options, set expectations early, and keep you informed at every step.
All Pre-Trial Work
One flat fee covers your petitions, motions, hearings preparation, negotiations and routine court appearances. No hourly meter.
Only If You Go to Trial
A separate, clearly priced trial fee applies if (and only if) your matter actually goes to trial or a contested hearing.
Everything Up Front
No hourly billing surprises. No filing-fee inflation. Your full cost is laid out in writing before the engagement begins.
Here's Exactly What the Flat Fee Covers
Direct Attorney Access
Conversations with the attorney handling your matter. Same-day call-backs whenever possible.
Petitions & Filings
Drafting, filing and serving petitions, motions and supporting documents in Suffolk County Family Court.
Case Strategy
Plain-English review of your situation, your options and realistic expectations before any court appearance.
Court Appearances
Routine court appearances handled personally by Steven Zalewski, Esq.
Negotiation & Settlement
Negotiations with opposing counsel and efforts to reach fair settlement before trial.
Ongoing Updates
Status updates and proactive communication so you always know what comes next.
Flat Fee vs Hourly Billing
Our Approach
Flat Fee
- Cost agreed in writing before any work begins.
- Predictable budget. You know what the case costs.
- No clock running on phone calls or emails.
- Attorney incentive aligned with moving your case forward, not billing more hours.
- Separate, clearly priced trial fee only if needed.
The Common Way
Hourly Billing
- Cost unknown until the bill arrives.
- Hesitation to call because the clock is running.
- Retainer drained, replenished, drained again.
- Attorney incentive aligned with more hours, not faster resolution.
- Surprise add-ons for filings, copies and minor tasks.
Transparent Rates by Case Type
Pre-trial covers all work before testimony begins - including filings, conferences, negotiations, and appearances within scope. If your matter proceeds to trial/hearing, the trial fee applies to preparation and the hearing itself.
Third-party expenses (filing fees, process servers, transcripts, experts) are separate.
One Flat Fee. Every Family Court Matter.
Every matter below is handled for one flat fee, agreed in writing before we begin. Explore each case type to see the exact price, what the fee covers, and how the process works in Suffolk County Family Court.
Flat Fee Abuse and Neglect Cases
Facing a CPS investigation or an Article 10 petition in Suffolk County? Steven Zalewski, Esq. defends parents for one $7,500 flat fee, fixed in writing before work begins, with a trial fee only if your case reaches a hearing.
Flat Fee Child Support Cases
Establish, modify, or enforce child support in Suffolk County for a $3,500 flat fee. Steven Zalewski, Esq. handles CSSA calculations, add-ons, and Support Magistrate hearings, with your full cost fixed in writing before work begins.
Flat Fee Custody Cases
Fight for your children with a $5,000 flat fee for all pre-trial custody work in Suffolk County Family Court, and a $7,500 trial fee only if your case actually goes to trial. Steven Zalewski, Esq. handles legal and physical custody, 50/50 arrangements, and enforcement.
Flat Fee Domestic Violence Cases
Whether you need an Order of Protection or must defend against one, Steven Zalewski, Esq. handles Suffolk County family offense cases for a $5,000 flat fee, fixed in writing before work begins, on either side of the courtroom.
Flat Fee Grandparent Custody
Grandparents can win custody or court-ordered visitation in New York, with the right case for standing. Steven Zalewski, Esq. represents Suffolk County grandparents for a $5,000 flat fee, with a trial fee only if your case goes to trial.
Flat Fee Juvenile Criminal Matters
When your child is accused of a crime, the response in the first weeks shapes their future. Steven Zalewski, Esq. defends juvenile delinquency cases in Suffolk County for a $5,000 flat fee, fixed in writing before work begins.
Flat Fee Modification Cases
Life changes, court orders can too. Steven Zalewski, Esq. handles modifications of custody, visitation, and support orders in Suffolk County on flat fees from $3,500, fixed in writing before work begins.
Flat Fee Orders of Protection
Obtain, or defend against, an Order of Protection in Suffolk County Family Court for a $5,000 flat fee. Steven Zalewski, Esq. represents petitioners and respondents with decades of Article 8 experience.
Flat Fee PINS Petitions
When a teenager is beyond control (truancy, running away, defiance), a PINS case may be the path to real help. Steven Zalewski, Esq. guides Suffolk County families through PINS proceedings for a $5,000 flat fee.
Flat Fee Separation Agreements
Resolve property, support, custody, and parenting time in a binding separation agreement, for a $5,000 flat fee, fixed in writing before drafting begins. Often the calmest, most affordable path toward divorce in New York.
Flat Fee Visitation Cases
Secure, expand, or defend your parenting time in Suffolk County Family Court for a $5,000 flat fee, with a trial fee only if your case actually goes to trial. Steven Zalewski, Esq. fights for schedules that keep parents in their children's lives.
Serving Suffolk County (and Nearby Courts)
We represent families across Suffolk County and regularly handle matters in nearby courts when it serves the client's needs. With 40+ years of local experience, Steven Zalewski brings the insight and relationships that move cases forward. Not sure where your case belongs? Call and we'll guide you on next steps.
If you have an immediate need for counsel, we can often appear in person as early as the next day — and sometimes the same day when contacted early.
Why Flat Fees Are Fair to Both Sides
Forty years of family law experience makes case scope predictable. We can quote a flat fee that is reasonable for the work and clear for you. Your incentive and ours align: resolve the matter efficiently, in your favor.
For families, flat fees mean clarity, control and the freedom to call your attorney without a stopwatch. For the firm, flat fees mean we take on cases we know we can deliver. That is a fair deal on both sides of the table.
i guarantee you will be heard
Ready to Take the Next Step?
At Zacarese & Zalewski P.C., when something isn’t right, say something—and we’ll do something about it with you.
Our flat-fee structure is clear: one flat fee for pre-trial work, and a trial fee only if your case goes to trial or a hearing. Call now and a professional will return your call quickly; if we miss you, we'll call back the same day.
