Disputes can be frustrating, and engaging a lawyer is no fun, especially when you are pressed for cash. So it is not surprising that cost is one of the major reasons most people avoid seeing an attorney. Hiring a lawyer can be expensive, costing between $100 and $300 per hour, depending on the specialty and experience. Since you can’t avoid legal services in certain situations, it is advisable to learn a few things you can do to keep the cost within control. Below are five ways you can save money on your legal fees.
Be proactive
Consider what is essential to you in terms of the job you intend your lawyer to accomplish and outline it clearly. Being proactive will not only help to clarify your ideas, but it will also help you complete your legal job more quickly. For instance, if your lawyer is preparing a contract for you, consider if you want full advance payment or if a deposit is acceptable. Do you require a payment schedule or want to include a cancellation fee in the contract? Think about possible scenarios and how individuals may react to such circumstances. This can make the drafting easier for your attorney and save you valuable time and costs.
Be organized
Your financial records are among the first things your attorney will request for. They usually include credit card statements, stubs, bank statements, and other documents. Chronologically organizing these documents saves you time and money. If you bring your attorney a stack of unstructured paperwork and papers, it would cost you around $100 hourly for a legal assistant to sort them for you. Would you rather not save hundreds of dollars and organize the documents yourself?
Consider mediation
Mediation can be a terrific alternative for resolving a dispute, like in the case of a divorce, for example. Long-dragging disputes can be costly, so finding ways to resolve issues outside the court can save you money in the long run. While mediation can enable a third person to guide you and your ex to reach a reasonable conclusion, there are out-of-court solutions you can consider. Mediation may not always be ideal, but it is worth the shot due to the cost benefits.
Make use of a paralegal
Working closely with your lawyer’s paralegal can save you money. The paralegal can put you on the correct path if you have a query. They would undoubtedly inquire with the attorney if they cannot assist due to a legal issue. Because paralegal fees are considerably cheaper than attorneys, hiring a paralegal can save you money.
Keep event timelines
Nobody knows your family’s situation more than you do, so you can help your attorney quickly put together a case by providing a timeline of events. It would be best if you provided your attorney with a clear and brief beginning of every event. Keeping records of events can enable you to maximize time with your attorney during meetings, phone calls, or teleconferences. It can also help you share every available information with your attorney.
