Cheap Divorce Lawyers
Cheap divorce lawyers are in great demand. There are many occasions when folks do not want to spend a lot of money on lawyers. The obvious example of this is when one or both parties does not have money to spend on an expensive lawyer. Another example is where both parties agree on the major aspects of the divorce and need a lawyer to supervise and make sure everything is filed legally.
No matter the reason, there are certain questions you should ask your lawyer before hiring them. These question are especially important since there are cases when the fee quoted does not cover everything and there may be additional fees to properly represent you. Asking the following questions will help you understand what to expect from your prospective lawyer before you make a commitment.
Is the initial consultation free or is there a fee?
Not all lawyers will have an initial consultation with out charging a fee.
As the case progresses, how do you typically keep me informed?
Settling this ahead of time will help you avoid wondering if your lawyer is going to contact you or not. Setting a predetermined cadence for progress updates will keep you regularly informed.
What documents do you need?
If you collect the necessary documents ahead of time, you will spend less time with your lawyer which translates to less fees.
How long have you practiced family law?
By securing a lawyer who specializes in divorce, your lawyer will be more efficient which again will translate to less fees. Also, not to mention you’ll have a much better chance to be represented fairly.
For divorce, do you charge a flat rate or an hourly rate?
Depending on the complexity of your case, it may be more cost effective to pay a flat rate, or it may be more cost effective to pay an hourly rate. Of course it depends on how much time your lawyer plans to spend on your case.
What is the hourly rate or flat rate and what does the rate cover?
This is where a cheap divorce lawyer may try to raise the total price of your case. By asking this question, you will get an accurate idea of how much you will be charged. Most lawyers will not quote you an exact figure, but they will give you an estimate. It depends on many factors which the lawyer will explain to you. Find out all the extra’s that could possibly be charged.
What is the standard fee for filing an uncontested divorce?
If you and your spouse agree on the details of the divorce, you can file for an uncontested divorce. This will much easier for your lawyer to facilitate and will be much less money than if negotiations are necessary.
Are your fees negotiable?
Some lawyers will negotiate the fees depending on the details of the case. As stated above, an uncontested divorce will be very easy, while a divorce where every detail is contested will be very difficult and more costly. There are ranges in between the two extremes and your lawyer may adjust the rates.
Asking these questions up front can save you money especially if you pursue a cheap divorce lawyer. The cheap divorce lawyer may add fees for certain activities that could boost your total fees to that of an elite lawyer. Asking these questions will also make it easier on you if you know what to expect both from a fee’s perspective and from a process prospective.