How to Save Money On A Lawyer

If you are in need of a lawyer, whether it is for a personal injury, a divorce, a DUI, or taxes, legal fees can get expensive. There are ways to cut back on costs when hiring a lawyer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A Lawyer
• Organization
• Time
• Legal research skills

1. DO YOU NEED A LAWYER? The first step is to ask yourself if you can resolve the legal matter without a lawyer. Some things can be resolved by doing a little research on your own.
   
   Ask around, look on the Internet, get a book, or talk to a paralegal. However, if it is an important or high monetary issue, than it may be best to hire a lawyer.

2. 
    
   Study Law

   GET EDUCATED. Even if you decide to hire a lawyer, prepare yourself ahead of time. Do some legal research surrounding your case. Read some case laws. Study legal terminology.
   
   By being prepared, you will cut back on the time spent asking questions. In addition, you will understand what is going on when your attorney speaks legalese.

3. 
    
   Keep Records

   DOCUMENT FACTS. Before you go see an attorney, gather all your facts and records and organize them so you are prepared. This will save time. Time is money when it comes to lawyers. In some cases, you may be able to e-mail the document to him to review the details ahead of time.
   
   It is also important when dealing with legal issues, to be accurate and concise. Having the details documented will help your case.

4. ASK ABOUT BILLING. Many lawyers have different types of billing and may not just have the typical hourly fees. Ask about alternative billing.
   
   Flat rate billing, contingency fees, or unbundled legal services are different options to save money when hiring a lawyer.

5. STAY ON TRACK. At meetings, stay focused on the subject. Do not get off track and keep you goals in mind. If you start drifting, this will rack up the legal bill. Go in ahead of time knowing exactly what your end goal is, legally.

6. GO TO SMALL CLAIMS COURT. If all these tips still seem too much for your budget, try a small claims court for cases involving low dollar amounts. See article on filing small claims court in resources.

Tips & Warnings

• Have a set of questions written down so you do not have to keep making appointments.
• Be sure you have your facts straight!
• Stay level-headed and mature.
• Be sure to have moral support from your family and friends.
• Do not represent yourself in court if you do not have any legal training, it could end in embarrassment or financial disaster!

Resources

• How to File a Small Claims Lawsuit

[betterbody]

on 2/19/2009 Some attorneys will charge less in certain cases-but, you have to ASK for a break. Great info. Thanks.

[eliptica]

on 2/16/2009 Man I wish I read this article before I hired my lawyer. Oh well. Thanks

[Biscuit4u]

on 2/12/2009 Very good advice. Hopefully I wont need this information.

[cadence]

on 2/1/2009 Great money saving tips. Lawyers are expensive!

[1kimmi]

on 2/1/2009 Wow, never thought of some of these ways to save money on a lawyer. Great info!