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Fees and Costs
The expense associated with hiring an attorney is often an
issue of major concern to a prospective client. Our firm believes
in having candid, detailed, written agreements with all of
our clients to minimize any confusion surrounding this sensitive
area of the attorney-client relationship. We also offer several
options for retaining an attorney on terms that suit your
individual needs.
Fee Arrangements
As a client, knowing about the types of fee arrangements
available will help you feel more comfortable as you work
through this step in the process of hiring an attorney.
1. Flat Fee
In a Flat Fee arrangement, the firm will charge a specific
total fee for your case. Photocopying, document preparation,
and other out-of-pocket expenses (with the exception of filing
fees or service of process fees) are covered by the flat fee.
Your total bill under this kind of arrangement will be the
flat fee plus filing and service of process fees. Flat fees
are offered in simplified family law proceedings, transactions,
will and trust preparation, most adoptions, and for most criminal
matters. Flat fee arrangements are not available in civil
litigation, including complex divorce or custody. Flat fee
cases are typically paid in advance and are earned on receipt.
2. Hourly Rate
This arrangement is the most common and generally the best
understood. Under this arrangement, the firm charges an hourly
rate of typically $200.00 per hour, but the rate may be more
or less depending on the case and your attorney's experience
level. When any attorney with the firm works on your case,
he or she charges you at that hourly rate in one-tenth of
one hour increments. Costs (including copies, long distance
and cellular telephone calls, and other "out of pocket"
items) are billed in addition to the hourly rate. Hourly Rate
arrangements are available in all types of cases, but are
required for civil litigation cases that do not involve personal
injury. Clients under Hourly Rate arrangements are required
to pay an advance deposit which is held in trust to pay fees
and costs as incurred. This deposit is typically $3,000.00,
but may be reduced or increased based on the anticipated complexity
of the case. Since the advance is held for the client in trust,
any money still held under that trust at the conclusion of
the case is refunded to the client. It is your money until
it is earned by the firm.
3. Contingency Fee
A contingency fee is one paid only if you prevail and recover
money in your case. If we cannot collect money for you, we
do not earn any fees, although in some instances you may be
required to pay expenses incurred on your behalf. The contingency
fee percentage varies under the Rules Regulating the Florida
Bar and, in some cases, Florida Statutes. Fees are calculated
as a percentage of gross recovery before expenses. Contingency
fee arrangements are reserved for personal injury cases, accident
claims, or other cases where a sufficient amount of money
is in contention to justify the firm's risk in taking the
case.
4. Referral Fee
On occasion, we may refer you to another attorney who specializes
in a particular area of law and receive a portion of the total
fee you pay for the case. Your fees can only be split if you
know about and approve the arrangement, and the total fee
paid to us and the attorney we refer you to is reasonable.
A referral fee cannot increase the total fee you pay for the
services you receive.
No matter which fee structure we may agree upon, the specifics
will be provided to you in writing, and you and an
attorney with the firm will sign an agreement that clearly
shows the fee arrangement.
Payment Options
In addition to a variety of fee arrangements, we offer clients
several options for making payments for legal services and
costs, including cash, check, and most major credit cards
except American Express. Contingency cases are paid upon recovery
through our firm's trust account.
Fee-saving Tips
Clients can play a major role in keeping their fees and costs
more manageable. Here is a short list of steps you can take
to reduce fees throughout the course of your representation.
1. Prepare for Meetings: When we ask you to come in
and confer with our attorneys, come prepared with all of the
necessary information and papers. Think about your circumstances
and gather the information your attorney will need. Write
down the names, addresses, and phone numbers of other people
involved in the case. Write down any important events or facts
you want us to be aware of. Bring all relevant papers such
as contracts, letters, court notices, or leases. The more
work you do to prepare this kind of information, the less
time we will spend finding it.
2. Answer Our Questions Fully: With very few exceptions,
everything you tell us as your attorneys - even in consultation
- is confidential. Pay close attention to the questions we
ask and give complete and honest answers. If you are not sure
if something is relevant, ask us. If you share all of the
facts with us, you will save us the time spent later on further
investigation or misdirected case development. As a general
rule, it's better to tell us more than we need to know than
less than we need to know.
3. Tell Us If Things Change: You are a primary source
of information about your case and we act first based on the
information you provide. If something happens or if you find
out new information which may affect your case, tell us immediately.
Changes in your circumstances will likely lead us to change
how we handle your case. Telling us as soon as you know will
save time and money, and will prevent us from heading in the
wrong direction with your case.
4. Examine Your Bill: Our firm regularly sends statements
to clients that show services rendered and costs incurred.
You should examine these statements. Question any items that
you do not understand or that are not covered in your fee
agreement.
5. Tell Us About Your Financial Situation: If you
have extremely limited funds, discuss the situation with us.
We have various payment options under all of our available
fee arrangements, and in some cases you may be eligible for
pro bono representation with our firm. If you are unable to
pay your bill, it is best to tell us sooner than later. We
are always happy to assist you with a referral if the cost
of your case exceeds your willingness or ability to pay.
By keeping these tips in mind throughout your relationship
with our firm, you can ensure that our work for you will remain
efficient, effective, and productive toward your goals.
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