Should Our Family Have an Attorney on Retainer?

 Posted on March 09, 2025 in Family Law

For families with complex legal needs, having an attorney on retainer can provide significant advantages. Instead of seeking legal counsel only when a problem arises, a retainer arrangement ensures that a trusted Florida family law attorney is readily available to handle a wide range of legal matters.

While this approach is not necessary for everyone, it can be especially beneficial for high-net-worth families who require ongoing legal guidance in areas such as divorce, custody, adoption, probate, guardianship, and estate planning.

When Does It Make Sense for a Family to Have an Attorney on Retainer?

Families who frequently deal with legal matters — whether due to business interests, complex estates, or significant assets — often benefit from an established legal relationship. A retainer is particularly useful when:

You Own Substantial Assets

High-net-worth families often have diverse assets, including multiple properties, investment accounts, trusts, and business interests. Keeping these assets legally protected and properly structured requires regular legal oversight.

You Have an Estate Plan That Requires Ongoing Attention

Estate planning and administration is not a one-time task. A retained attorney can regularly update wills, trusts, and other documents to reflect changes in family dynamics, financial holdings, or tax laws.

You Anticipate Family Law Needs

Families experiencing ongoing child custody issues, co-parenting disputes, or potential modifications to divorce agreements can benefit from immediate legal assistance when new issues arise.

You Expect to Handle Probate or Guardianship Matters

If a family member passes away or becomes incapacitated, having an attorney already familiar with your family's legal structure can make the probate or guardianship process significantly smoother.

You Are Expanding Your Family Through Adoption

The adoption process is legally intricate, involving court hearings, background checks, and compliance with both state and federal laws. Retaining an attorney ensures your case moves forward efficiently.

How a Retained Attorney Can Benefit Your Entire Family

Having an attorney on retainer provides more than just convenience — it offers a strategic advantage for managing your family's legal affairs. Instead of scrambling to find representation when an issue arises, you have a dedicated legal team that understands your family's unique needs. This allows for proactive legal planning rather than reactive problem-solving.

A retained attorney can also serve as a trusted advisor, helping families navigate sensitive matters such as prenuptial agreements, tax-efficient wealth transfers, and charitable giving strategies. For families with businesses, an attorney can assist with succession planning and ensure that legal structures are in place to protect both personal and professional assets.

Additionally, a retainer arrangement fosters a stronger attorney-client relationship. Instead of starting from scratch with a new attorney for every legal matter, your family benefits from continuity, personalized attention, and trusted legal strategies that align with your long-term goals.

Contact a Miami, FL Family Law Attorney to Discuss Your Family’s Legal Needs

Whether your family is dealing with estate planning, probate, custody disputes, or any other legal matter, having an attorney on retainer provides security and peace of mind. You can get your questions answered any time, whatever they may be.

At Miami Family Law Group, PLLC, our Miami, FL family lawyers offer comprehensive legal services tailored to the needs of high-net-worth families. To learn more about how we can help you, contact our office at 305-520-7874.