When getting into legal processes, the money aspect can be confusing. There are so many types of fees and different requirements for each one. But they are actually more simple than you think as our Arlington, TX bankruptcy lawyer who is rated by Super Lawyers can share.
Legal fees are based on the amount of time spent on your case, the type of attorney, the amount of experience or prestige your attorney has, the type of case, and the outcome of your case.
Examples Of Legal Fees
Consultation Fees- One of the first things that you are going to have to pay is a consultation fee. Legal consultations are where the potential client and the attorney discuss the facts of the case, the type of case, and what action is going to be needed forward. The price for consultations vary depending on the type of case, attorney, and firm. Some firms even offer free consultations. Consultations are important because they give the client and attorney a chance to decide if they would be a good fit. Not only that, but consultations can also help decide if there is any grounds for a case at all. Some firms charge on an hourly basis, so based on how many hours the consult is they will charge you.
Contingency Fee- A contingency fee is a type of fee where the lawyer only receives money once there is a settlement in your case. That means that if at some point in your case, negotiation or a trial goes through, the fees will be paid after that. With this kind of fee, no money has to be paid beforehand and the amount is based on the results.
Flat Fee- A flat fee is paid upfront before any legal proceedings. A flat fee is a set amount of money that the client has to pay for the legal services they need. Again, flat fees can vary based on the case and attorney.
Hourly Rate- An hourly rate is synonymous to its name. You pay the attorney for the amount of time they put into your case. This can vary based on the complexity of your case. In Texas, most lawyers charge 327$ per hour of work for the case.
Retainer Fee- A retainer fee is basically a down payment for the legal services you wish to be fulfilled. The amount is based on the attorney’s hourly rate.
Legal fees can be confusing. There are so many different types and not knowing what they mean and which one is best for you can be stressful and can make the legal process lengthy and confusing. However, knowing the basic types of fees,
like contingency, retainer, and flat, can help you better navigate your finances regarding your case. Remember, fees rely on your state, the attorney, the type of case, the complexity of the case, and the type of attorney. During your consultation, make sure to properly discuss the fees your attorney offers and make sure that the type of fee is fitting for your situation.
Schedule a consultation with lawyers that have a 10.0 rating from Avvo at the Brandy Austin Law Firm today.