She says that the amount ($1500) covers filing ($325) the papers and any hours billed after the retainer are at $125/hr. I have prepared most ofthe paperwork myself and there (as it stands) are no conflicts. She said it all depends on the lefwork that has to be done. Does this seem good?
2007-03-23 08:47:31 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
The retainer is like a deposit or down-payment.
If the entire retainer is not used, you get back any unused portion (plus interest in most states).
If you have prepared most of the paperwork, and they lawyer has done very little, then the lawyer only gets paid for shat she did. That's often cost-effective for you, if you can do it.
But also make sure that the $1500 was a retainer, from which she gets paid hourly (and you get any unused part). From the way you describe it, the $1500 sounds like it might be meant as a flat-fee or minimum, which works differently.
2007-03-23 09:01:32 · answer #1 · answered by coragryph 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As someone who handles matrimonial cases, I can advise you that she's billing you at a much lower rate than most, and that the retainer amount is very reasonable.
You should make sure that the retainer agreement specifies that there is no minimum fee, and that you do get any unexpended balance back at the conclusion of your case. These are not controversial clauses in a retainer agreement - they may be there already - and if they're not, you shouldn't have any trouble negotiating them with any reputable divorce lawyer.
2007-03-23 11:57:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You aren't expecting any back are you?
If you did hire the lawyer on an hourly basis plus cost, they must give you an itemization of their bill. If not, go see the ethics committee at your states supreme court!
2007-03-23 08:53:27 · answer #3 · answered by cantcu 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know what state you are in, but $1500 is a fair price. Go with it and be glad it's over with.
2007-03-23 08:51:55 · answer #4 · answered by takemymulligan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will also pay for postage, anything that is faxed relating to your case and copies if copies are to be made and telephone calls. If there is anything left over, you will get that back...
2007-03-23 08:51:05 · answer #5 · answered by Jacuzzi Lover 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
covers a few questions over the phone
2007-03-23 08:50:05 · answer #6 · answered by god knows and sees else Yahoo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a lawyer, expect to get it in the A**!
2007-03-23 08:50:20 · answer #7 · answered by baby1 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋