Attorney Fees Cost

Typical costs:

• An attorney may charge a flat fee for a specific service or an hourly rate of $90-$500 or more. A retainer is an up-front fee paid to hire an attorney, usually a percentage of the total fee or the equivalent of several hours work. A lawyer working on an hourly basis deducts that hourly rate from the retainer as the work is done; when the retainer is gone, the client is billed for additional payment. In some liability lawsuits, a lawyer may take the case on a contingency basis, meaning the lawyer earns a percentage of any money received once the case is settled or the trial is complete.
• Fees for crafting legal documents or filing paperwork vary depending on the type of documents; drawing up a basic will can cost $150-$600 or more. Also see: Prenuptial Agreement; Estate Planning; Probate; or Trust.
• Flat fees for handling a divorce vary from $200 for filing a motion to $10,000-$25,000 for handling all aspects of the process. In complicated, highly emotional cases with legal fees charged on an hourly basis, it can cost $20,000-$50,000 or more to represent one spouse. Also see: Child Custody Attorney or Child Support Attorney. Legal fees for a personal bankruptcy case can cost $1,000-$3,500 or more depending on whether it's a straight Chapter 7 bankruptcy or a Chapter 13 personal reorganization. Legal fees for a business bankruptcy can cost $1,000-$500,000 or more depending on the size of the company and whether it's a straightforward Chapter 7 business liquidation bankruptcy or a more complex Chapter 11 business reorganization.
• A car accident lawsuit might be handled in small claims court if the amount involved is less a certain amount ($2,500-$15,000, depending on the state); for larger injury lawsuits most lawyers work on a contingency basis, taking 30%-40% of the total money awarded. Also see: Dog Bite Lawsuit; Property Damage Lawsuit; or Slip and Fall Lawsuit.
• For businesses, legal guidance for the process of setting up a limited liability company (LLC) typically costs $1,000-$3,000 (not including state filing fees), and in complicated situations legal fees can be $3,000-$5,000 or more. Also see: Incorporating a Business; Copyright; Trademark; Patent; or Patent Litigation. For employment-related issues, see: Asbestos Attorney; Employment Discrimination Lawsuit; Sexual Harassment Attorney; Workers Compensation Attorney; or Wrongful Termination Attorney. Legal fees to handle an eviction for a landlord can cost $500-$5,000 depending on whether the tenant fights the process. Also see: Fighting Eviction and Landlord-Tenant Dispute.
• A criminal defense attorney will almost always want to meet and discuss the specific circumstances of the case before quoting a fee, and actual costs will depend on the nature and severity of the charges. For a traffic ticket a lawyer may charge $900-$2,000 to contest a speeding ticket and $2,000-$5,000 or more for a complex traffic case that goes to trial. Also see: Drug Defense Attorney; DUI Attorney; Elder Abuse Lawsuit; Expungement; Felony Defense Attorney; Juvenile Crime Attorney; or Shoplifting Defense Attorney.

• Those with low incomes may qualify for state programs eliminating filing fees, or for Legal Aid or other low-cost assistance, such as lawyers who will take a case on a pro bono (free) basis. LawHelp.org[1] and the American Bar Association[2] link to legal resources by state.

• Contact several lawyers and ask about their training and experience. The Massachusetts Bar Association provides tips for choosing a lawyer[3] .
• Referrals are available through FindLaw.com[4] or by contacting the local bar association[5] .
• The attorney should provide a written fee agreement; ask specific questions about exactly what is covered, and if there are any other fees and expected expenses that will add to the total cost.

1.  www.lawhelp.org/
2.  apps.americanbar.org/legalservices/findlegalhelp/home.cfm
3.  www.massbar.org/for-the-public/need-a-lawyer/tips-on-choosing-a-lawyer
4.  lawyers.findlaw.com/
5.  apps.americanbar.org/legalservices/lris/directory/

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