Fees for Court Appearance and Other Court-related Fees

This list is the culmination of much prayer, consideration and legal advice.
These fees are based on my value system. As a trauma therapist I prioritize the quality of therapy a client receives from me. From experience I have observed the significant potential for damage to the therapeutic relationship when the therapist becomes involved in the legal system on behalf of a client. It changes the dynamics and quality of therapy, especially if the therapist is forced to break confidentiality on vulnerable and/or incriminating material.

I came to these compensation costs after consulting with a lawyer who advised that I charge based on the value of my time to me. The only requirement is that the fees are the same for all clients. Therefore, these fees are based on the value I place on the time and energy required of me to leave my practice or private life, leave my other clients and my family, to appear in court. I recognize that many clients may not agree with the value I put on my time and energy. That is okay.
For a potentially new client looking for a therapist to testify for them in court, I highly recommend finding a different therapist, possibly one with more training and more experience testifying in court.

I will not appear in court without a subpoena signed by a judge.
• NOTE: All fees are increased by 50 % if I had plans to go out of town

Retainer fee – ALWAYS DUE TWO DAYS IN ADVANCE OF COURT APPEARNCE.
1) $5000 PER DAY if I am given a week’s advance notice. This fee is for every day I must leave my practice or personal life to go to the courthouse regardless of whether I am called to the stand to testify.
2) $7000 PER DAY if I am not given a week’s advance notice.
Other fees:
1) Preparation time: $300 per hour
2) Phone calls: $300 each for up to an hour
3) Depositions: $400 per hour
4) Time required in giving testimony: $400 per hour
5) Time away from the office due to depositions or testimony: $300 per hour
6) Mileage: $1.00 per mile
7) All attorney fees and costs incurred by the therapist as a result of the legal action.
8) Filing a document with the court: $200
9) The minimum charge for court appearance: $5000 per day if given at least one week’s notice, or $7000 per day if not given at least one week’s notice.