Confusion over attorney fees? Do you understand how your attorney is charging you?

Do you understand how your attorney is charging you? How will you know how the fees and charges are accumulating?

Be sure your written fee agreement with your attorney is
completely clear about how you will be informed regarding the
status of your account. If your attorney agrees to handle your
divorce for a flat fee, your fee agreement should clearly set
forth what is included in the fee.
Most attorneys charge by the hour for handling family
law cases. At the outset of your case, be sure your written fee
agreement includes a provision for the attorney to provide you
with regular statements of your account. It is reasonable to ask
that your billing statement be provided monthly.
Review the statement of your account promptly after you
receive it. Check to make sure there are no errors, such as
duplicate billing entries. If your statement reflects work that
you were unaware was performed, call for clarification. Your
attorney’s office should welcome any questions you have about
services it provided.
Your statement might also include filing fees, court
reporter fees for transcripts of court testimony or depositions,
copy expenses, or interest charged on your account. If several
weeks have passed and you have not received a statement on
your account, call your attorney’s office to request one. Legal
fees can mount quickly, and it is important