How to Reduce Attorney Fees
- 1). Get references from family members and friends who have had legal work done. They may be able to recommend attorneys they have used who charged reasonable fees.
- 2). Seek out free legal help in your area. This is an option available in most areas of the country for people who are economically disadvantaged. You will have to provide proof that you are financially unable to pay for legal assistance. If you qualify, you can receive pro bono help for whatever legal situation you are facing. (To find more information, refer to the Resources section.)
- 3). Do our own legal work. While an attorney may be necessary for some services, there are some circumstances in which you do not have to depend on a professional. You can download many legal forms online, such as those for wills, no-contest divorces, bankruptcy and the like, for free or at a fraction of the cost it would take to get them directly from an attorney.
Just fill them out and have them notarized before submitting the forms to the proper parties. You need to ensure, however, that your state honors these kinds of prepared documents and that they are current. (For an example of this, refer to the Resources section.) - 4). Shop around. Like any other service, you need to go to various professionals to compare costs. Always get a free initial consultation. This will give you an opportunity not only to discuss your specific legal problem, but, at no cost, to ask an attorney to list and explain the costs of his services and the kind of fees he typically charges. This includes a flat fee, an hourly fee or a contingency fee, depending on the type of case you have. Insist on a written estimate from each attorney you consult with and choose the one whose fees are lower in cost.
- 5). Consider becoming part of a class-action lawsuit. If you want to sue a big company for things such as false product advertising, posing a risk to your health, etc., you may find that there are many other consumers who have similar complaints. If so, you can join other plaintiffs who are part of one massive lawsuit and avoid large legal fees and frustrations. (To find out more, refer to the Resources section.)
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