Family law can be difficult and daunting, especially with the high stakes. One of the most important decisions you will make before hiring Houston family law attorneys is deciding on your final budget. Still, it will vary depending on experience level, quality of work, specialization in your type of case, and other factors.
Consider how many hours the lawyer will work for you before coming up with an estimate for that number. If you expect to spend more than half the workday talking, a lawyer who charges by the hour may be a better option. If you consume no more than an hour per week on the case, then hourly billing may work best for you.
Another essential factor to consider is how long your case will take. After all, pay for time spent? The answer is yes – in some cases. However, that is too broad a statement because there are lots of issues that take months or years to be resolved. By that time, many people have moved away from the area, and it may not cost more to advertise locally than it would cost to advertise nationally.
A better way to refine your answer is to consider these questions: How much time will you spend with that family law attorney? How many meetings or phone calls will you have with them? Remember, in addition to the base fee, you may have expenses for other things like investigations, experts, lawyers, and paralegals. These expenses can add up.
Another essential thing to consider before making the appointment is what the retainer agreement does and does not include. If any areas still need to be included in the retainer agreement, be sure you understand how much they will cost and how often they will come up. Consider considering an attorney if you cannot afford these fees.
Additionally, be sure the retainer agreement includes a provision that states you will be notified in advance if any changes are made to the agreement. This is to ensure you are not charged for anything you don’t expect.
In addition, consider what the fee is for a specific service as well as for future services. Most lawyers charge a flat fee to file your dissolution of marriage documents with the court, and these are subject to change every year by legislative mandate. Other prices may be more negotiable.
What if my case takes longer than I anticipated? What if I am forced to get a lawyer before I have had time to save up? The first thing that comes to mind is borrowing from relatives and friends.