The cost of legal fees can be rather expensive for many. Luckily, there are
simple things you can do to help save money on legal fees over time - such as
choosing the right attorney and doing some of the leg work up front.
Additionally, while having a solid understanding of the type of legal fees is
always a good idea, it will also help ensure a good working relationship with
your attorney and, in turn, help your bottom line.
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.
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