How To Save Money When Dealing With A Lawyer

Whether you need to create a will, want to transfer property, get hurt on the job or find yourself facing a divorce, life sometimes requires a lawyer. Depending on your situation, you may need a specialist, such as a family lawyer or commercial lawyer, and the right legal representation can benefit you in a myriad of ways, but these services rarely come cheap. Though well worth the investment if your lawyer helps you avoid jail time or keep custody of your children, you will need to face the realities of your budget when dealing with legal issues. Fortunately, there are some ways you can save on attorney’s fees without cutting corners.

Shoot For a Flat Fee 

Lawyers often bill clients based on the amount of time they and their support staff spend on a case. In some cases, however, attorneys will accept a flat fee. You can always ask your attorney if they will accept a set rate, and she may do so if your case is something simple like an uncontested divorce or contact review. 

Do Your Own Leg Work 

When you hire a law firm like Prime Lawyers, what you’re really paying for is their experience. Legal professionals know how the law works and how best to make it work for you, and that knowledge can prove invaluable when you’re caught up in the complex legal system. Many people, however, view their attorney as their legal personal assistant, tasking them with every responsibility associated with their case. Sure, your attorney can get a copy of your medical records. But is that truly the best use of his time when he is billing you $100 an hour? It makes much more sense to get your medical records yourself and give them to your lawyer. 

Maximize Time With Your Lawyer 

If your lawyer is billing you based on her time, every phone call, email and meeting adds to your bill. Get organized before your first meeting with your attorney so you can bring her everything she needs. Stay organized throughout your case, making a list of any questions that arise and keeping important paperwork together. Save your questions and paperwork for your next meeting unless something urgent comes up. This efficiency saves time and money. 

Be Honest 

Your lawyer can’t help you if he doesn’t have all the facts relevant to your case. A surprise can send your legal team scrambling and have them working overtime, and that will cost you. If you’ve done something you shouldn’t have or if certain information could be harmful to your case, your lawyer needs to know about it so he can actively minimize the damage. Blindsiding your lawyer could cost you, and not just financially. 

Take Advice 

One of the things you pay your attorney for is her professional advice. Take it. If, for example, your attorney recommends taking an offered settlement, you should do so. Your attorney won’t tell you to settle if she thinks you can do better. Ignoring her advice and pushing for more is likely to cost you more time and money without producing results.