Retainer Fee Structure (Hourly Time Based Billing) A retainer fee is simply a down payment to cover some of the divorce or family law attorney’s fees and the other costs of the case. Most lawyers bill this way and charge for their services by the hour. They use their hourly rate to calculate the retainer fee […]
FAQs Category: Legal Fee
We all have expenses for things that we do not expect. We do not anticipate getting sick or hurt; however, if we need medical care, we are required to pay the medical bills. If you are involved in a divorce or other type of family court case and choose to be represented by counsel, you […]
Lawyers are professionals who run a business that has overhead and other costs. Supply and demand, as well as the location of a law firm, all influence what the legal fees will be. Lawyers who are in great demand and have family law expertise or legal certifications generally charge higher fees. Attorneys located in large […]
It is impossible to predict how much a divorce or other family court case will cost with any degree of certainty. However, your attorney may be able to provide an estimated range of the fees. The final cost is dependent on several factors, many beyond your lawyer’s control. These factors include the lawyer that your […]
Yes! First, be actively involved in your case. Take the time to learn and understand what’s going on. Ask questions. Follow your lawyer’s instructions and be truthful with your lawyer at all times. Volunteer to help with the work whenever possible. Have reasonable expectations of your lawyer and your case. Seek ways to settle your […]
In a divorce case, a court may order a spouse to contribute to the fees of the other spouse based upon a disparity of financial resources or unreasonable positions and/or conduct during the case. However, seeking and obtaining that type of order does not change your obligation to pay the balance that you owe to […]
Abraham Lincoln said, “A lawyer’s time and advice is his stock in trade.” This adage is still true. Time spent talking on the phone, or reading your e-mail, is just as valuable as the other time your lawyer spends on your case. There are several ways you can minimize fees for phone calls. Accumulate several […]
If you don’t have money to hire experts, you may have no choice but to proceed without experts. It may also be possible to get a court order for expert’s fees to be advanced by your ex, but don’t count on it. In any event, keep in mind it is not your lawyer’s obligation to […]
No one can guarantee that your spouse will honor agreements or court orders. Courts will enforce orders if an appropriate request is made. Typically, there will be additional legal costs for enforcement actions, and it is not the lawyer’s responsibility to ensure that parties abide by the original agreements and court orders.
If you cannot afford a lawyer, you can get legal information and self-help tools from the Massachusetts statewide website MassLegalHelp.org. This website contains information for unrepresented people that is clear and easy to understand. You can learn about many of the most common civil legal problems, including divorce and family law, in English, Spanish, Portuguese, […]