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.
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.
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.
