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Divorce and Legal Fees
Divorce and
Legal Fees
By Maury D.
Beaulier, Esq.
HOW MUCH WILL THE DIVORCE COST
It is difficult to determine how much a divorce will cost. However, after
reviewing the likely issues, your method for resolving those issues, and hearing
your philosophy of the case, a lawyer may be able to give you a range of
expected expenses. Controlling the expenses in a divorce, however, is no easy
task. Many of the factors contributing to legal costs are outside of your
lawyers control. The personality and philosophy of the your spouse’s attorney
can affect the ultimate path that your divorce takes. Additionally, the ability
of the parties to cooperate and communicate may also have a significant impact.
WRITTEN RETAINER AGREEMENTS
Your attorney is required to provide you with a written retainer agreement
identifying the costs and hourly fees that will apply to your case. It is
important that you read this document carefully and ask questions regarding any
unclear issues. Signing a retainer agreement does not mean that you cannot fire
your lawyer or that your lawyer cannot withdraw from the case. You may change
lawyers at any time. The retainer agreement, however, will memorialize the terms
of your billing relationship with the attorney. Once you have signed the
retainer agreement, it is a legally binding and enforceable contract. Always
keep a copy of your retainer agreement for later reference.
FLAT FEES
Fees charged by lawyers can vary from state to state and county to county.
You may find a lawyer who charges a fixed flat fee for motions after a divorce
or for uncontested proceedings where the parties have reached an agreement. In
such instances, the amount of work which must be performed by the lawyer can be
easily determined. This is a favorable payment method since you will know at the
outset the total cost of the proceeding which will allow you to budget
accordingly.
HOURLY FEES
In most contested cases, you will find that lawyers will bill out their time
at an hourly rate. Although rates vary, you may expect your lawyer to bill out
services at an hourly rate between $75 and $250 per hour. Reduced hourly rates
may apply to services that are performed by associate attorneys, paralegals, law
clerks or legal assistants in your attorney’s office. Hourly rates are
influenced by your attorney’s legal experience, reputation and the demand for
his/her services.
MINIMUM FEES
Lawyers may also charge minimum fees for specific services that are billed
out as part of the divorce proceeding. For example, drafting a Motion or a
Petitioner may be billed out at a flat rate of $200. You should discuss with
your lawyer any minimum fees that may be applicable to your case.
MINIMUM BILLING INCREMENTS
Your lawyer may also bill out services based on a minimum billing increment.
For example, your lawyer may bill out his or her time in twelve minute
increments or two tenths of an hour. That means for any service no matter how
short, the lawyers time is rounded up to the nearest twelve minute increment.
COSTS
In addition to your legal fees, you may be required to pay any costs that are
incurred by your lawyer that are associated with your case. Costs may included
charges for any filing fees, copies, mileage, faxing, service of papers, postage
and parking. It is important for you to review and understand the costs that you
are likely to incur.
EXPERTS
You may also be required to cover any costs related to necessary experts.
Experts may be used to provide medical testimony or appraisals of real estate,
business assets or personal property. Independent custody evaluators may be
hired to perform a custody study or vocational experts may be necessary to
determine what financial support is necessary. The need for experts depends
greatly on the issues of your case. You should consult with your lawyer
regarding the potential need for experts in your case and an estimate of the
costs.
RETAINERS
Your attorney may request a "retainer fee". This is an advance payment
against which any hourly fees and/or costs are assessed. The retainer is a form
of security deposit to ensure payment of future legal fees.
PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS
Most lawyers will require you to remain current on your legal fees. The
reason for this, is that each month the lawyer must pay offices expenses related
to rent, payroll, advertising and other overhead. Some attorneys may even
require a new retainer when the original retainer is exhausted. If you are
unable to remain current, you do have options that can be discussed with your
lawyer.
SECURITY FOR FEES
You may secure your legal fees by providing a lien against a marital or
non-marital asset. Be sure to review any agreements related to security
interests carefully. Moreover, if a security interests relates to real estate,
it is necessary for your attorney to inform you that you have the right to have
the agreement reviewed by separate counsel.
WAGE ASSIGNMENT
You may also suggest to your attorney a wage assignment which ensures a
consistent monthly payment toward your legal fees.
CREDIT CARDS
Most law offices will accept credit card payments.
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