Most people never call a lawyer because they assume they cannot afford one. Before you decide that, it helps to know that legal work is not billed just one way.
The four arrangements you will actually see
- Hourly. You pay for time spent, usually billed in fractions of an hour. Common in family, business, and employment matters.
- Flat fee. One agreed price for a defined piece of work, like a will or a simple filing. You know the number up front.
- Contingency. The fee is a percentage of money recovered, so it only applies where money is being recovered. Availability and percentages vary by firm, matter, and state.
- Retainer. Money paid up front that the firm bills against. It is a deposit, not a separate fee, and unused amounts are generally returned.
What to ask before you sign anything
Every fee agreement is a contract, and terms vary. Good questions:
- Which arrangement applies to my matter, and why that one?
- What is not covered by the fee, such as court costs and filing fees?
- What happens to costs if the matter does not succeed?
- Will I approve major decisions before they are made?
A trustworthy attorney will welcome these questions and answer them plainly, in writing.
The consultation itself is separate
Whatever the fee arrangement ends up being, finding out where you stand should not cost you anything. Ask about fees on that first call. If the answer is vague, keep asking until it is not.
If you are not sure whether your situation is worth pursuing, that is exactly what a free consultation is for. Call and get a straight answer before you decide anything.