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This FAQ is about how my office handles legal fees and costs .
1. Does your office require prepayment of legal fees?
In general, yes. In most matters, you must make a deposit towards legal fees before we begin work on your case. We do certain matters on a contingency fee basis which require no deposit or prepayment of fees.
2. Does the attorney fee include other expenses?
No. Expenses such as filing fees, service of process, reproduction and court costs are the responsibility of the client and are not included in the attorney fee. Our office may advance certain costs under special circumstances.
3. How can I pay my legal fees?
Our office accepts cash, personal checks, and money orders for payment of fees.
4. Does your office accept credit cards?
We do not accept credit cards. However, we do accept payment through Paypal and cash-advance checks from your credit card company.
5. Does your office allow payment plans?
As a general rule, no. We provide very streamlined and cost-effective services at our current rates. Under special circumstances we will consider payment plans, but it is the exception not the rule.
6. What if I cannot afford an attorney?
Our office does take certain matters at a reduced rate or may even represent a client free of charge. This is decided on a case by case basis.
7. Will I receive a bill?
If our office represents you on a hourly basis then you will receive monthly statements about the status of your account. This statement will show your current deposit balance and whether you have an outstanding balance.
8. What is a contingency fee?
This is a fee based on the percentage of money recovered in a case. This is often used in personal injury and debt collection cases. Usually, instead of taking money up front, we agree to take a percentage of the total recovery. This may be from 20 % to 50 % of the amount recovered on your behalf. Like all of our fee arrangements, the percentage will be spelled out in a written contract.
8. Will you take my case on a contingency basis?
We are prohibited from taking contingency fees on child custody and divorce cases. We regularly accept personal injury and debt collection cases on a contingency basis. |
