Paying For A Lawyer
by: Developed from materials provided by the Wyoming State Bar Association
How Much Do Lawyers Cost?
Q: Is there a set amount I have to pay for legal work?
A: No. There is no set amount. This is why you should ask what it will cost will before the lawyer does any work. Be sure you know how your lawyer charges and what you will have to pay.
Ask to have the way you will be charged put in writing. That way, if you and lawyer disagree about money you will have something to look at. Ask as many questions as you need to before hiring the lawyer.
Q: How do lawyers decide what to charge?
A: Lawyers charge in different ways.
Sometimes though cases take longer than the lawyer thinks they will. So, it is important to know if the lawyer is charging by the hour. If your lawyer charges by the hour, be sure to keep track of how many hours they are working.
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Some lawyers ask for a set amount of money. This is called a flat fee. A lawyer may charge a flat fee for doing a will or explaining a contract.
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You can also pay out of any money you might win in a lawsuit. When a lawyer takes part of the money you win it's called contingency. If the lawyer does not get you any money, the lawyer does not get paid.
But, even if you do not get any money, you may have to pay for any costs the lawyer has for your case. Some costs might be court filing fees or the cost of a private detective.
Sometimes lawyers work for free. This is called pro bono.
Q: How does a lawyer decide how much to charge?
A: How much a lawyer costs depends on a couple of things. The amount of time a case takes has a big effect on the cost. A case that takes more time often costs more. Also, a lawyer with more experience might charge more. If there are other special costs, like hiring an investigator, that will make the case cost more.
Q: Do I have to pay right away?
A: Many lawyers ask for some money up front. This is called a "retainer" and is like a down payment. The lawyer deducts the cost of your case from your retainer as the work is done. If the retainer is used up, the lawyer might ask for another payment.
Q: How do I find out what I have to pay?
A: Ask your lawyer. Ask if you will be billed as the case goes along, or only at the end. If you pay a retainer, be sure you get a receipt. Tell your lawyer you would like your bills in writing. Keep track of how much is being taken out of your retainer.
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