Fees |
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The cost of any lawyer's services are the attorney's fees plus costs and expenses for your case. When I represent you I will provide a written Representation Agreement that sets forth the costs of my services and what costs/expenses you are required to reimburse. While the Representation Agreement controls, this page outlines the typical fee options, which include:
Additionally, this page outlines the typical costs that are to be reimbursed. If you have any questions regarding my fees, please contact me. Hourly Fees This is the most common fee arrangement. You are charged for each hour or portion of that hour that an attorney works on your case. This type of fee arrangement is well-suited for most litigation and some transactional work because the amount of time required to resolve the issue is uncertain. Typically, you will be required to provide an initial prepayment of 50% of the estimated total cost. When this pre-payment level drops below a level pre-determined by your individual fee agreement, it will need to be replenished. Other costs (e.g. filing fees) are not included in the hourly rate. My current hourly rate is $130. Flat Fees A flat fee means that you will be charged a fixed total fee, including or excluding costs. This type of fee option is generally offered for relatively simple or routine legal issues. The most common flat fee service that I provide is for personal bankruptcy (ch. 7 or 13). The cost of bankruptcy is equal to attorneys' fees plus the filing fee. My fees start at $1250 for an individual no-asset chapter 7 (joint from $1450) and $3000 for a chapter 13. Certain cases require a higher fee, depending on the complexity of the issues presented. The filing fee for chapter 7 bankruptcy is $299 and for chapter 13, $274. There is also a mandatory pre-filing credit counseling fee of $35. Please contact me if you are interested in discussing flat fees for other types of representation. Contingency Fees Certain types of cases, such as personal injury and Social Security Disability appeals, are handled on a contingency basis. This means that you will only pay attorney fees if a successful recovery results from your case. This fee will be a fraction of this recovery (usually 1/3), less costs and expenses. Contingency fees are thoroughly discussed at your initial consultation. Costs The cost of representation is the attorney's fee plus costs and expenses required for your case. Typical costs include: Delivery of legal documents relating to the case; Filing fees and other court costs; Deposition, expert witnesses, and consultant costs; Photocopying costs, long distance telephone charges, postage and fax costs; Paralegal, secretarial, and staff time; and Reasonable travel, out-of town meals, and transportation expenses
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Payments