Thinking Ahead: Attorney Fees

The beginning of a new year often represents the opportunity to start fresh. For many, this means committing to resolutions such as getting in shape or completing unfinished projects. For others, beginning anew involves other significant changes such as defending the dissolution of a marriage, seeking modification of child custody or support, bankruptcy and paternity actions.

On the tail end of the holiday season, the thought of paying any lump sum towards attorney fees can often seem overwhelming or simply not feasible. But with tax season just around the corner, the next few months provide the perfect opportunity to begin planning and saving. Consider using this year’s tax refund as a payment towards retaining an attorney to help you navigate your legal matters. If you are currently represented and owe outstanding fees, using your tax refund to pay the remaining balance is a simple way to get caught up.

In general the legal process can often be time-consuming and expensive. Once you have hired an attorney to represent you, there are several measures you can take to help minimize your own attorney fees.

• Identify and communicate your goals and expectations. It might be helpful to rank them according to what you feel the most strongly about. Discuss your goals and expectations with your attorney to avoid future misunderstandings. Be reasonable and realistic. Remember that resolving disputes amicably can not only set a positive tone moving forward, it can also spare you from a financially and emotionally draining courtroom battle. Recognize the importance of being agreeable and knowing when to settle. 
• Keep track of your questions and issues that you would like to discuss. Making a list will allow you to ask all of your questions at one time without forgetting anything. Contacting your attorney by email can often be a more cost-effective approach to communication. While you will still be billed for the time spent reviewing and responding to your email, the fees will generally be lower than those for phone calls during which it is easy to become sidetracked. Keep in mind that other members of the attorney’s staff with lower hourly rates, such as law clerks and paralegals, may be able to assist you with certain questions or concerns related to administrative matters such as billing. 
• When you speak to or meet with your attorney, take notes to help you remember what was discussed and any instructions your attorney may have given you. This will help eliminate confusion and unnecessary delay in the form of your attorney re-explaining matters to you or making repeated requests for information. Be prepared. Keep a calendar with important dates and deadlines. 
• Respond promptly and completely to your attorney’s requests. In addition to collecting the requested documents, keep them organized. This will allow your attorney to spend more time working with the information itself and less time trying to dig through an unorganized stack of papers. 
• Remaining calm will also allow you to listen and communicate more effectively. One key to remaining calm is managing your own stress and taking measures to protect your own well-being. Remember that the process can often be very emotional, especially when it comes to family law matters. It is not uncommon to experience anger, frustration, sadness, and depression. While your attorney will assist you through the legal process and protect your interests, he or she is not a licensed psychologist. Finding a therapist or a counselor to help you work through the emotional components will allow you to spend the time you have with your attorney more productively. 
• Finally, remember that your attorney can only estimate costs and fees at the outset of the representation. Recognize that circumstances often change and the budget might need to be readjusted throughout the process. 

Contributed by Kelly Thompson, Law Clerk