I am thinking about getting an attorney for some things. Wanted to know if they are to be paid on a continuing basis even if they arent doing anything for you OR do I pay them only when I actually use them for something???
2006-12-24 04:01:52 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
the first consult is free. at that time, you tell them what you need and they will tell you how much they will charge you for getting it accomplished. most will allow you to make payments to them and you only pay them for the job you hire them to do, nothing continues after that. good luck!!
2006-12-24 16:10:45 · answer #1 · answered by inquiringmind 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes an attorney will take your case on a contingency basis. That means that if the person you're sueing has to give you money - the lawyer gets a percentage of that money - and that's it.
Most times - the attorney will have you pay a retainer - which very often is what he thinks you'll own in the end - and you pay it up front. Then they send you reports telling you what you've used of that money so far. (It adds up very quickly. Most good lawyers are at least 200 an hour - so a short phone call is 50 bucks) If the total amount of what you'll owe in the end will be ridiculously high - and they know you are good for it - they will let you pay as you go along.
I believe that everything they charge you for is on a case by case basis.
Good luck!
2006-12-24 04:09:55 · answer #2 · answered by liddabet 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depending on what you want done. Some want a percentage of anything they help you get ie insurance from a car wreck. Some will set a fee for the problem. ie. divorce. Most worth having charge by the hour. That means they charge when talking to you on the phone, writing or reading a letter about your case, showing up in court etc. Doesn't matter if the paralegal did the work or the clerk typed the letter. They want a retainer and bill against that money before they start. When that money is gone they will ask for more. You can be sure they will be completely paid before the case is settled.
2006-12-24 04:15:28 · answer #3 · answered by cece 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry there are so many rotten people answering your question like smart a$$es. The will first require the retainer fee. It is a non refundable fee (quite a bit) that means you've hired them and they've recived alot of their payment up front. They will charge you by the hour or for phone calls with you. Depending on your attorney, that money can go pretty fast.
If you really need some legal advise, you should make several calls to several attorneys offices and get the goods on fees, areas of special practice such as real estate or medical and also find out about free consultaion.
Good luck!!!!
2006-12-24 04:15:23 · answer #4 · answered by bluegrass 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Basically 4 ways attorneys get paid:
1. Fee for service: you want X then you pay Y.
2. Hourly: You pay for the time they spend working on the case.
3. Contingency: You pay only if you win, and then pay a set % of money you win. (Only available with civil cases- suing someone)
4. Retainer: you pay them a fee, even if they are not doing anything, basically holding them in reserve in case you need them. Fee normally rolls into the cost if used. Depending on the amount and purpose, they get to keep this.
There are combinations of these, like a fee for service paid over time, or a hourly wage that they require an upfront fee.
2006-12-24 04:10:48 · answer #5 · answered by t S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the consultation should be free.If after you talk to the lawyer and you like him then you will hire him for the job.Depending on the crime or whatever it is he will tell you what it will cost and this amount should be paid in advance.If the lawyer has to travel to another town or go to court for you more than what was first thought then he will charge extra.Criminal cases tend to cost more because of all the court hearings
2006-12-24 04:13:37 · answer #6 · answered by Billy T 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
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2016-10-28 07:16:13 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You pay when you ask them to do something for you. And you don't pay again until you ask for something else.
2006-12-24 04:04:11 · answer #8 · answered by ruth4526 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cash upfront ! If they have their way !
2006-12-24 06:36:23 · answer #9 · answered by IT'S JUST ME ! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you pay when services are rendered
2006-12-24 04:09:37 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋