Our Philosophy
What do you mean by "Redefining the Family Law Practice©"?
Burroughs Law Office, P.C. is committed to Redefining the Family Law Practice©. We understand that your issues don't magically disappear when the final decree is entered by the judge and your divorce is final. When children are involved, this is all too evident. A divorce only serves to create a new and different relationship which couples are often unprepared to deal with. It is certainly the exception to the rule for spouses to part ways amicably without any lingering issues.
As stated in our mission statement, we look beyond divorce as the one-size-fits-all solution to problems within the modern-day family. We are, however, realistic and realize this is the sad reality for a large number of families. Many family law attorneys focus on providing a product. They sell divorce like something you'd pick up at your local department store rather than working with you through all the issues toward a comprehensive solution to the problem. We see evidence of this throughout our society from over-medicated teens with half-diagnosed ADHD to the uncontested divorce-within-a-week firms pushing a product for a buck.
Divorce is too commonplace and is rarely the easy way out most people think it is. There are often children involved, marital assets to divide, and sacrifices made during the marriage which no amount of money can account for. Divorce is not a quick-fix pill. People facing divorce need comprehensive plans for how they will function once the decree is entered and the divorce is final. Life still goes on and if we're not properly prepared, the struggle will continue when it may have been diminished.
These are the reasons we focus on a number of cursory practice areas for families in need. We help defend adults and juveniles charged with crimes in the Commonwealth of Virginia. These are, after all, precursors to even larger problems in people's lives which quite often have the greatest impact on the stability of the family unit. We also handle basic estate planning functions for our family law clients in order to address the changes that have or likely will occurs in their lives. Any life event warrants a look at your estate plan and most of what we deal with are such life events.
We believe this holistic approach to handling your family law matters will serve your interests by addressing your immediate need for relief and your long-term need for direction and guidance. For the foregoing reasons we limit our practice to the traditional functions of family law (including child custody, visitation, support, and divorce), criminal defense, estate planning, and bankruptcy. Our ultimate goal is to help head off divorce at its source. And while we realize it isn't always possible and that divorce may be inevitable, or even necessary in some cases, we won't give in without a fight. That's why we include non-traditional practice areas in our family law practice. We're committed to Redefining the Family Law Practice© because there's so much more to family law than divorce.
Fees
How much will it cost?
For detailed information on our fees, please call to schedule an appointment. Flat-rates and hourly fee schedules are available and vary based on your particular issue.
The following is a brief overview of our fee schedule and is for general information only*:
- Hourly Rate: $195/hr. (deposit and signed agreement required before representation)
Virginia Estate Planning Fee Schedule
- Individual Simple Will: $160 flat fee (otherwise billed hourly)
- General Power of Attorney: $85 flat fee
- Advance Medical Directive: $85 flat fee
- Simple Estate Planning Combo: $285 flat fee (simple will, power of attorney, and medical directive)
- Joint Reciprocal Simple Estate Planning Combo: $450 flat fee (reciprocal simple will, power of attorney, and medical directive for husband and wife)
Virginia Family Law Fee Schedule
- Uncontested Divorce+: $700-$1,000 flat-fee for attorney (filing fee and costs paid separately by client)
- Basic Separation Agreement: $225-$300 flat fee
- Adoption: hourly/flat fee rate
- Child Custody: hourly/flat rate
- Child/Spousal Support: hourly/flat rate
- Child Custody/Support Modifications: hourly/flat rate
- Most family law matters handled on an hourly basis require a $2,500 deposit.
+Fee quote for attorney service only and other costs/fees may apply depending on your particular situation. Please call for details on this rate and to schedule you initial consultation.
Virginia Criminal and Traffic Defense Fee Schedule (Please inquire about our multiple charge flat fee rates.)
- Basic Misdemeanors**: $650-$850 flat fee
- Preliminary Hearings: $2,000-$3,500 flat fee
- Non-violent Felonies: $2,000-$6,500 flat fee
- Violent Felonies: $2,500-$14,500 flat fee
- Reckless Driving (speeding/general): $500-$600 flat fee
- Reckless Driving (involving an accident): $800-$1,200 flat fee
- Suspended License: $600-$700 flat fee
- Speeding (not reckless): $400 flat fee
- DUI/DWI Offenses: $800-$3,000 flat fee (range based on prior offenses and whether charge is a misdemeanor or felony)
* All expenses, court costs, and fees paid separately. Investigators used upon client approval and at the discretion of counsel are not included in the fees quoted above. Flat fee rates and deposits are paid in advance of work performed. Flat fees quoted are not offered in conjunction with our hourly rate. They are offered in lieu of such rates when no other hourly work is performed. A refundable deposit is required for all flat fee matters in addition to the prepaid legal fee. Please call 757-363-0077 for more details.
**Examples include: petit larceny, assault/battery, trespassing, drug possession, concealed weapons. Appeals are handled separately and are not included in this rate. Additionally, appearances for bond hearings for related misdemeanors we are hired to handle are charged a flat rate of $225. All other services and subsequent or pre-existing charges, including but not limited to, probation violations, unrelated charges, and failure to appears, are billed separately. Please note this in our representation agreement and feel free to ask any questions regarding these or any other terms.For details and firm quotes, please call 757-363-0077.
How does flat-fee billing work?
Burroughs Law Office, P.C. offers flat fee billing on all matters. This includes both uncontested and contested cases. The fee will be quoted after an initial interview to determine the scope of the representation and the work to be performed. If your case takes longer through no fault of your own, you will not pay more for the services of your attorney. You can call as you like and we will meet as needed for representation. You won't have to worry about how much that call just cost you or how much research is needed for your case. There are no hidden fees and everything will be outlined in the representation agreement. You'll know the cost for legal representation up front and won't have to worry about not knowing how high the tab will be in the end.
In general:
Most matters are broken down into several phases. These phases include discovery, pleadings, and court appearances to name a few. You pre-pay for the phase you are about to enter into and the work is performed. Once the phase is completed you will have a few options. If your case is proceeding as planned, you will pay for the next phase and the work will continue. If, however, the case is settled, you will not proceed to the next phase and our work is done.
We keep things simple and affordable. If you prefer to pay for billable hours you are still free to exercise this option. Our goal is to remain flexible because we know how unique your circumstances may be.
What forms of payment do you accept?
As a convenience for our clients, Burroughs Law Office, P.C. accepts cash, checks, check cards and most major credit cards:
What is included in the initial assessment consultation?
As part of its commitment to better serving its clients, Burroughs Law Office, P.C. grants each new client a thirty minute assessment consultation free of charge. This affords you the opportunity to determine whether you want to hire us to represent you for your legal matters. This is NOT meant to be a free legal session with an attorney. If you would like to receive legal advice on your matter, Attorney Burroughs is available at his current hourly rate of $195. Should you decide to hire us, you will be required to sign a representation agreement reflecting the particular services to be rendered and fees to be paid. This is a no pressure opportunity we hope you will take advantage of. All we ask is for a bit of your time. Help us help you. Please call us for more details at 757-363-0077.
Online Resources
Are those online wills any good?
We often have clients ask whether those online will kits are any good. Our response is that they serve a purpose and can be better than having nothing at all. For roughly the same price however, why wouldn't you have an attorney prepare and help draft and execute these documents? When something comes up down the road or your will is contested, you won't have the option of turning to your online provider for help. They, in fact, waive any and all liability. Take advantage of the services of a qualified professional. Let us make it easy for you. Let us take away the uncertainty that exists with a general "one size fits all" form. You rarely appreciate the fit and feel of a one size fits all article of clothing. Even sweatpants are made in different sizes. We tailor your estate plan to fit your individual needs. One size does not fit all. Likewise, neither does one online will work for everyone with a computer and an internet connection.
Do you know of any DMV certified driver improvement courses?
Whether you're looking for a classroom or online course, there are a number of reputable programs from which to choose. They're often simple to complete and can easily be completed with little or no disruption to your busy schedule. Losing your privilege to drive can mean a loss of your livelihood or may cause extreme financial hardship. Let us help clear the way to a positive outcome. We've "kicked the tires" of the legal process and have represented many clients in jeopardy of losing it all. We're here for you when you need us most. Call us now at 757-363-0077 to schedule your appointment today.
Driver Improvement Programs Classroom Located at AAA Corporate Headquarters: 5366 Virginia Beach Boulevard in Virginia Beach
757-766-7028
Business Hours
What are your hours?
By Appointment
Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
After hours and weekends also available depending on your individual circumstances and our availability.
Why are your hours by appointment?
To ensure the highest level of personal attention for all of our clients, we are generally unable to accommodate walk-ins. By scheduling your appointment, you will receive the attention your matter deserves. Every effort will be made to accommodate your schedule, even if it means meeting after our posted hours on occasion.
How far in advance must I call to schedule an appointment?
The rule of thumb is 24 hours. This gives us ample time to prepare for your visit and to make certain time is available for our meeting. If you require a same day appointment, we will make a concerted effort to accommodate your request. If it's a pressing matter that cannot wait till the following day just let us know. Communication is the key to a good attorney-client relationship. While no such relationship is formed until a representation agreement is signed, it is a good practice to keep the lines of communication open from the beginning. That way, with everything on the table, we can proceed with a plan of action that's truly in your best interest.
Location and Directions:
What areas do you service?
Attorney Burroughs practices in the Tidewater / Hampton Roads region in the cities of Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Portsmouth.
What is your address?
Burroughs Law Office, P.C.
Little Neck Towers
3500 Virginia Beach Blvd., Suite 421
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23452
How can I find you?
What is your phone number?
Office Telephone: 757-363-0077
Office Fax: 757-363-0092
