Below are
six ways to lower your legal fees and reduce the overall costs of legal
representation.
Choose Your
Lawyer Wisely - You have a choice when it comes to selecting a lawyer, and
there are several types of law firms, from which to choose. You may have to do
a little homework, but choosing the right attorney can save you hundreds, maybe
even thousands of dollars in legal fees. Why? Because for starters, you'll be
involved in a working relationship with your lawyer, and the more comfortable
you feel working with him or her, the smoother the process (not to mention
avoiding the need to hire a new attorney mid-way through the
representation.)Secondly, the choice to hire a solo practitioner or small law
firm lawyer can often help you lower your overall legal costs since those fees
are often lower than the fees of large law firm lawyers.
Ask for a
Flat Fee Arrangement - There are several common types of legal fee arrangements
used by lawyers, including hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat fee
arrangements. If your case is relatively simple or routine, such as a will or
an uncontested divorce, you should consider asking for a flat-fee agreement based
on a predetermined amount to help lower your legal fees. That way, you'll know
exactly what you are paying for and you can budget accordingly without any
surprises.
Do Some of
the Work Yourself - People often mistakenly believe that once they hire a
lawyer their work is done. Depending on the nature of your case, you can save
on legal fees throughout the duration of your legal representation by doing
some of the work on your own. This may include prep work such as gathering any
necessary documents and providing the attorney with as much relevant
information as possible concerning your legal matter. Be sure to check with
your lawyer beforehand, however, to avoid doing work that will duplicate or
hinder the attorney's progress.
Limit Phone
Calls and Emails to Your Lawyer - The saying "time is money, money is
time" applies equally to legal fees. When your lawyer takes a call or
responds to an email on your behalf, you might end up paying for the time spent
(if on an hourly plan, for example.) Instead, you can help lower your legal
fees by providing all the necessary information up front or at periodic
checkpoints, and scheduling a set more meaningful meeting, instead of making
frequent, but unnecessary phone or email contact. Learn additional tips for reducing
your legal costs and expenses.
Consider
Alternatives to Hiring a Lawyer - Some legal matters may be handled alone or
with the help of non-lawyers, such as disputes over small sums of money or
divorces between couples with no assets or children. Before spending thousands
of dollars for legal fees for small legal matters, consider alternatives to
hiring a lawyer, such as mediation or self-representation. | 
