Mr. Jerimy Daniel Howard | Attorney

We specialize in Family Law (including divorce, child support, alimony, child custody, and contempt) and Probate matters (including all issues involving wills, guardianship/conservatorship, and the formation or dissolution of trusts).

At The Law Office of J. Daniel Howard, we have three simple principles that guide everything we do.

First, we believe that every client that comes to us deserves an approach to their case that is tailored specifically to that client's individual needs and situation. We recognize that every case is different and that there is no "one size fits all" approach to these matters. We will work with you to identify the goals you wish to achieve. We will then work diligently to assure the best possible outcome for each client.

Second, we believe that every client deserves to be treated with the utmost respect. We understand that cases in our area of practice are some of the most personal, emotional issues a person may ever face. We will always listen to your concerns and address them openly and honestly. Our clients are not a file number or a dollar amount to us. They are real people dealing with difficult issues and they deserve someone that is going to work hard to make sure their interests are protected.

Last, but certainly not least, we believe that high quality legal services should not be limited only to those that have the ability to pay exorbitant legal fees. For the first several years of my career, I worked for clients under the standard, outdated hourly billing model that the vast majority of attorneys still use today. Under hourly billing, the client pays a large initial retainer (usually in excess of $5,000.00) as soon as they hire an attorney. Often, that retainer covers the first few weeks, or maybe even the first couple of months of the attorney’s work. The problem with the hourly billing model is that every activity an attorney or staff member does on a case costs the client money. Whether it is making a phone call, reviewing a document or drafting a pleading, the tab continues to run.

The result of this is that many times, a client that had to struggle to come up with the initial retainer then receives a bill for thousands more a month or two into the case. The client is faced with either paying that bill in full or having their attorney withdraw from their case. The relationship between the attorney and client sours and the client is left with an additional $10,000 or $15,000 in costs that were unplanned. Sadly, many times the mounting cost of legal fees become the primary factor in a client discontinuing a case or settling for much less than they should.

This method of billing always struck me as unfair and, quite frankly, absurd. From the first day I started practicing law, I decided that as soon as I had the opportunity to open my own firm, I would do things differently.

My goal is to provide top quality, personalized service to each client while offering certainty as to the expense involved. We offer flat fees for a wide variety of services that are tailored to your specific situation. Since the attorney’s fees will not change, I am able to provide them during our initial consultation so you know in advance what you will pay.

People facing a Family Law or Probate matter usually find that they are experiencing a great deal of uncertainty in their lives. The last thing they need is to be concerned with whether or not they are going to be able to afford their attorney. My fee structure eliminates that concern and allows each client to focus on taking care of themselves and their family.

So, if you are looking for a big firm experience along with the big firm cost, we are not the right firm for you. But, if you want compassionate, effective representation that is focused on listening to what matters to you and working diligently to make sure you achieve your goals, I’d be happy to speak with you.