Colette Rausch Law, LLC is a Maryland solo practice focused on estate planning and family law.

Additional information about services and approach is available on the Estate Planning and Family Law pages.

Please begin by completing the website intake form. After reviewing your information, I will determine the appropriate next step based on the nature of the matter, my capacity, and any conflict-of-interest considerations.

Family law matters begin with a consultation. Estate planning matters may begin either with an estate planning consultation or, in some straightforward situations, with a flat-fee quote for a defined scope of work after review of your intake information.

If you are unsure whether your matter falls within what I handle, you are welcome to reach out. The practice operates by appointment only.

No. Family law matters begin with a consultation. Estate planning matters may begin with a consultation or, in some straightforward situations, with a flat-fee quote after review of your intake information. Additional information about consultations and next steps is provided on the Estate Planning and Family Law pages.

Yes. Consultations and meetings are available both in-person at my Silver Spring office and virtually via secure video conference. Virtual options are available for clients throughout Maryland.

Attorney Fees

Attorney fees depend on the nature and complexity of the matter. The applicable fee structure and scope of representation will be explained and confirmed in a written engagement agreement before work begins.

Estate Planning Fees

Estate planning services are generally offered on a flat-fee basis. The final fee depends on your goals, family situation, assets, and the scope of work involved. In some straightforward matters, a flat-fee quote may be provided after review of your intake information. Where individualized recommendations are needed, the process begins with an estate planning consultation. The consultation fee is $350, and if you choose to proceed with estate planning services, that fee will be credited toward your total fee. The scope of services included in any flat fee will be explained in your engagement agreement.

Family Law Fees

Family law matters begin with a consultation. The consultation fee is $250. If representation is appropriate and you decide to proceed, family law matters are typically billed on an hourly basis, with an advance retainer required before representation begins. In some matters, such as uncontested divorces or agreement preparation, flat-fee arrangements may be available.

A retainer is an advance payment applied toward future attorney fees and costs. You will receive periodic statements showing the work performed and the amount applied. You may be asked to replenish the retainer if additional work is required.

Attorney fees are the amounts charged for legal services. Costs and expenses are separate from attorney fees and include payments to third parties, such as court filing fees, recording fees, service of process fees, and other necessary expenses.

Unless specifically stated in your engagement agreement, costs and expenses are billed separately from attorney fees. Any anticipated costs will be discussed with you in advance.

The timeline depends on the complexity of your plan and how quickly documents are reviewed and executed. For straightforward estate plans, the process typically takes about 3–4 weeks once the scope of work is defined and planning begins. More complex plans may take longer. I will provide a more specific timeline after reviewing your information and, where needed, meeting with you for a consultation.

Estate plans should be reviewed periodically, particularly after major life changes such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or significant changes in assets. I offer estate plan review and update services for existing clients. If you have an estate plan prepared by another attorney, I can review it and discuss whether updates are needed.

Yes. If you and your spouse have reached agreement on all issues, I can assist with preparing the necessary documents and guiding you through the uncontested divorce process. This is typically handled on a flat-fee basis.

Court representation is available where appropriate. Many matters, however, can be addressed through careful planning, negotiation, and agreement. The appropriate approach depends on the circumstances of each case. I'm happy to discuss what makes sense for your situation.

Colette Rausch Law, LLC is based in Silver Spring, Maryland. The practice primarily serves clients in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, and Baltimore County, with estate planning services available more broadly in Maryland depending on the nature of the matter. Consultations and meetings are available in person or virtually, by appointment only.

You can expect a thoughtful, structured approach, clear communication, and careful preparation. The goal is to help you make informed decisions and move forward with clarity and confidence.

My practice reflects a combination of legal experience, conflict resolution work, and advisory roles in complex settings, which shapes how I analyze issues and prepare clients for important decisions.

Clients work directly with me throughout the matter and can expect thoughtful, consistent attorney attention.

I take a systems-based approach, looking at how legal, financial, practical, and family considerations interact so that the work is not only legally sound, but well-structured and workable in real life.

No. An attorney-client relationship is established only after a written engagement agreement is signed. Contacting me or requesting a consultation does not, by itself, create an attorney-client relationship.

My work in conflict-affected settings and international justice systems shaped my approach to conflict resolution, decision-making under stress, and building durable agreements—skills that are directly relevant to family law matters and complex estate planning. That experience informs how I structure negotiations, prepare clients for difficult conversations, and design agreements that hold up under real-world pressure.