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.

You may contact me through the website intake form or by email to request a consultation.

Consultations are available for matters within my practice areas and capacity, and where no conflict of interest exists. If you're unsure whether your matter falls within what I handle, please feel free to reach out—I'm happy to point you in the right direction if I'm unable to assist.

Additional information about consultations and next steps is provided on the Estate Planning and Family Law pages. The practice operates by appointment only.

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

Most estate planning services are offered on a flat-fee basis, so you'll know the cost in advance. The fee is based on your goals, the complexity of your plan, and the documents involved. The scope of services included in the flat fee will be explained in your engagement agreement.

Family Law Fees

Family law matters are typically billed on an hourly basis. An advance retainer is required before representation begins, and fees are billed against that retainer as work is completed. 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 3–4 weeks from the initial consultation to signing. More complex plans may take longer. I will provide a timeline estimate during your 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 and represents clients in estate planning and family law matters throughout Maryland. 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.

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.