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January 21, 2015

Divorce- How to Get the Most from Your Lawyer for the Least Amount of Money

Divorce is expensive. It takes its toll on your emotions as well as your wallet.  However, legal representation shouldn’t be skipped because of the expense: having a lawyer who represents you and guides you through the necessary documents and informs you of the legal ramifications of various decisions can decrease your stress and save you money in the long run.

Below are several hints that will help you spend less on legal fees while maximizing the time you spend with your divorce lawyer.

  1. Come prepared. Compile documents, court notices, lists of dates with details of any issues, and any questions you may have beforehand. Information increases your lawyer’s ability to provide you with helpful advice. Making that information readily accessible and concise reduces the number of hours you will be billed for thus saving you money. It is a win-win!
  2. When your lawyer asks you to provide documents or fill out forms, do so, as accurately and completely as possible. Every letter, phone call and email from your attorney is billed for in fragments of an hour and those fragments can add up to many extra hours over time.  Providing the requested copies of your bank account statements or completed financial affidavit will prevent added billable hours and save you money.
  3. Ask for the paralegal or legal assistant when you call.  Chances are you will have questions, and your lawyer should be available to you to answer them. However, if the office provides you with the name of your lawyer’s paralegal or legal assistant, do not hesitate to call that person with your questions. He or she will answer them when appropriate, forwarding them to the lawyer when necessary. Paralegal hours are billed at a rate of at least half off a lawyer’s rate. This has the potential to significantly reduce your legal expenses.
  4. Check your emotions at the door.  This may sound harsh, but a therapist’s hourly rate is generally less expensive than your lawyer’s, and a therapist is trained to handle your feelings. Your lawyer is not. Your lawyer assumes your divorce is difficult for you and will proceed in your best interest within the confines of the law. Of course, at times you will be overwhelmed, and that is understandable. Try to compartmentalize your emotions so that you can spend your time with your lawyer dealing with the legal aspects instead of emotional ones. You will save yourself money if you are able to compartmentalize issues so as not to add unnecessary billable hours.
  5. If it is simple matter, ask your lawyer if they offer unbundled services.  An unbundled service means that your lawyer agrees to help you with only a portion of your case, for either an hourly fee or a set fee. For example, if you only need help with a Parenting Plan, Uniform Support Order, and/or other proposed documents, you may hire a lawyer to help you in the limited capacity of drafting documents. Not all lawyers offer this, and those that do might limit the types of cases where unbundled services are appropriate. But…it never hurts to ask!

Remember, your lawyer is there to help you wade through the court system and the divorce process, while helping you to protect your interests and assets. You, too, can protect your assets by following these tips.

Attorney Kathrine Lacey has the knowledge and experience to help you through the divorce process. Free consultations are offered for new clients of the firm.

 

 

 

 

 

January 21, 2015