Like attorneys, Bryan requires a retainer to engage his services. The standard retainer is $3,500, and it may be more or less, depending on the circumstances. Typically, the retainer is held until the conclusion of the case and applied to the final billing. The unused portion of the retainer is refundable to the party who paid it, and is refunded in the same manner it was paid.
Bryan takes a common sense approach to retainers-if the scope of services is limited, the he may bill against the retainer as the case progresses. For services provided not in connection with a litigated matter, the retainer may be less or not required. Bryan can provide fee quotes or not-to-exceed fee engagements for certain engagements. Typically, for characterization/tracing cases, it is not possible to provide a fee quote due to the various unknowns at the outset of those engagements, but as the case progresses, a better idea of the fees can be provided.
Bryan cannot take cases on contingency. Billings are usually sent out monthly. Bryan will strive to work with clients on fee matters, but reserves the right to withdraw from a case due to non-payment. These provisions are outlined in the engagement letter. In performing his work, Bryan must comply with standards promulgated by the American Institute of Certified Public Accounts, the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy, the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, and the American Society of Appraisers.