Hiring a lawyer can be quite intimidating in the beginning, especially when it’s your first time. The thought of it makes you wonder how much it will cost. Not all lawyers charge as much as you imagine they would. There are others who charge based on the services that you require of them. They do so accordingly. Perhaps those who feel like they are paying too much are those who had second thoughts about discussing payment right from the very beginning.
The first meeting with the lawyer is not just about getting to know them and what they can do for you. Clients should take advantage of the first meeting to also learn about how much it would cost them to get the services of that particular lawyer. If you have a bit of a tight budget, there’s no need to worry. All you need is, to be honest about how much you can afford to pay. You’d be surprised at how many lawyers are willing to help you out for a lot less than you expect.
Should you ask your lawyer about payment options, you may have? Yes, you should. Here is a set of questions about attorney charges that you may want to get answers for:
- Do you work on a retainer cost? If you are hiring a lawyer for your business, then this question should be on your list. It is important to ask them how much their retainer rate is and for how long it is going to last. The retainer rate is the monthly rate that the lawyer charges you for as the legal representative of your business.
- Do you charge by the hour? Some lawyers do charge by the hour. If you find someone who charges by the hour, then you should make good use of the time to talk to them. Make a list of the relevant questions and concerns that you may have and go straight to the point. There’s no point paying for an extra hour for chitchat.
- Do you charge for your staff separately? Some lawyers make their legal team work on your case, especially with your paperwork. Be open to discussing with them the costs for the team work that they can provide. If they tell you that the work of their staff is part of the right package that they offer, then that should be a relief. It means real savings from your end.
When you are afraid to ask for the cost of legal help, that’s when the problem sets it. Be honest with your lawyer and be open to discussing finances with them. After all, they are there to help you and not make your life any more difficult.