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DON’T OVERPAY FOR LEGAL FEES!

Categories:

alimony, child support, custody, custody and visitation, Divorce and Separation, domestic violence, experienced, grandparent rights, maintenance, order of protection, relocation

Not all attorneys have the same experience.

Not all attorneys have the abilities.

Not all attorneys respond to client’s promptly.

AND ATTORNEYS DO NOT ALL CHARGE THE SAME FOR THE SAME WORK!!!!

What does this mean for you?

  1. READ

  • Read over the family court or matrimonial retainer agreement they give you very By the way, they must have a written retainer agreement for you to review. Take it home and review it prior to going to the office and signing, to make sure you understand it.

  1. ASK THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

  • Do you charge a nonrefundable retainer regarding your legal fees? Do not be fooled, not all attorneys charge this.  It means you are paying a minimum amount whether or not the attorney has to work for it. So, if you settle with two hours work you still may pay for 8 or 10 etc. work not done. I do not charge a nonrefundable retainer. You are only charged for work done.

  • Do you get back retainer funds not used regareding your legal fees? You might be surprised to learn many attorneys have a minimum amount no matter what work is done?   You get back any retainer money that remains when my work is done.  Again, you only are charged for work done.

  • Do you charge a minimum hourly fee  for legal fees? Does the attorney charge you a minimum fee or for the actual time spent on your matter. This can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars. There is never a minimum hourly fee for court or anything else.  Again, you are only charged for work done.

  • What is your retainer amount fregarind legal fees? What is your hourly rate?  This is the amount of money that the lawyer gets up front before they begin work. Some attorneys have a lower initial retainer amount however the hourly rate is so much higher than other attorneys that this retainer is used up really quickly and you are asked for MORE money sooner than with attorneys how charge a lower hourly rate.  THE HOURLY RATE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR. My hourly rate AND retainer are a reasonable amount given the area and economy and I try to work with clients. 

  1. UNDERSTAND:

  • That the amount of money your attorney charges for legal fees is NOT a sign of their ability. Some of us believe that everyone is entitled to experienced and dedicated representation, not only the wealthy.

  • That even if your spouse will have to contribute toward your legal fees, they seldom are ordered to pay the whole amount and often if your attorney charges more that the “going rate” the courts take that into consideration when awarding fees for the other side to pay. What does this mean for you:  YOU COULD OWE THE ATTORNEY MORE MONEY THAN YOU EXPECTED.