One of the biggest worries that many clients have when they begin divorce proceedings is paying for their West Palm Beach Divorce Attorney. They worry that their lawyer will charge a huge sum of money which may be difficult for a man or woman who suddenly has to find new housing, buy new furniture, etc. While legal services are never cheap, most attorneys work with clients to find a number that is palatable to both client and attorney. During your free consultation, be sure to ask the attorney what the charge per hour and ask them for an estimate about the total cost.
Paying for a Family Law Attorney
It can be extremely difficult to estimate the total cost of a divorce as there are many factors that can come into play. For instance, if a divorce is particularly contentious, the attorney might spend significant amounts of time in court fighting motions. This is why, in almost all contested divorce cases, the South Florida Family Law Attorney will charge a retainer for his or her services, then charge an hourly rate and deduct it from this retainer.
An example might be a lawyer who charges a $5,000 retainer and bills at $400 per hour. If this attorney spent 30 minutes preparing a motion for court, they would charge the client $200 and deduct it from the retainer. Most attorneys keep meticulous time records and can always give the client a list of charges. Be wary of those attorneys who do not. Detailed time records allow you to see where your money is going.
In certain cases, the attorney may charge a flat fee and not deduct or charge an hourly rate. Depending on the simplicity of your matter, the South Florida Family Law Attorney may be amenable to this arrangement. While it is not common, it may be a better fit depending on your circumstances.
At the Law Offices of James S. Cunha, we work to find a fair amount for our clients. We work to achieve cost-effective results that can achieve a positive outcome for your case at an affordable rate. We make sure that your legal matter is being given the attention it deserves while not breaking the bank or causing undue hardship for our clients. To discuss your legal matter, contact the Law Offices of James S. Cunha today to schedule a consultation.
