It’s normal to worry about how much your family law case will cost. Like all other professionals, attorneys do charge for their time. However, there are ways you can work with your attorney to control your legal fees. The following blog will provide you with ideas as to how you can manage your attorney’s fees.
How Can You Reduce Your Legal Fees?
You can reduce your legal fees by providing your attorney with complete financial information regarding your assets and debts. Copy your documentation for your bank accounts, retirement accounts, credit cards, stocks, bonds, deeds, titles, etc. Have this ready for your attorney early in your case. The more financial information you’re able to provide your attorney, the better. It will reduce the amount of documentation that must be formally requested from your spouse or their attorney. If you are unable to access your spouse’s information, your attorney will request it from your spouse or their attorney.
How Can You Save Money On Your Communication With Your Attorney?
Communication with your attorney is key to an effective attorney/client relationship. However, not everything requires a lengthy telephone call. An e-mail is an inexpensive way of keeping your attorney informed or asking simple questions about your case. An e-mail gives the attorney a chance to think about your question before they communicate with you, allows them to respond when they are available, and often takes less time than a telephone call. You should discuss with your attorney methods of communication they prefer such as telephone, email, and text.
How Can You Save Money By Limiting What Your Attorney Must Address?
Attorneys charge for the time they spend working on your case. So, what can you do to reduce the amount of time your attorney must spend on your case? You and your spouse can address simple issues such as personal property and household bills.
Personal Property
You will save money if you and your spouse can agree on how you will divide your personal property. You and your spouse can make decisions about your personal property without the need for assistance from either of your attorneys. If you’re unable to reach an agreement on the division of all of your personal property, make a list of the items you do not agree on. Present that list to each of your attorneys. Now the attorneys can focus on just what is at issue (not discussing personal property that is not at issue).
Household bills
You will save money if you and your spouse can agree on who will pay for the household bills during the pendency of the divorce. Of course, if you are unable to negotiate with your spouse, or unable to reach an agreement then your attorney will need to address it through the court. But, making the attempt to reach to an agreement regarding payment of the mortgage, utilities, and other debt prior to attorney intervention will prevent unnecessary attorneys’ fees. And if you are still living together, often times clients leave the finances status quo.
What Is The Take Away To Saving Money On Your Legal Fees?
Together, you and your attorney can discuss your unique situation, and come up with a plan to work as efficiently as possible to keep your legal fees down. If you and your attorney are mindful of what needs to be completed in your case, and divide and conquer each task, you can save on your legal fees.
GET TO THE OTHER SIDE OF YOUR LEGAL JOURNEY WITH SCHMITT LAW, PLLC. GRAND RAPIDS COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE ATTORNEY SERVING KENT, OTTAWA, AND ALLEGAN COUNTY.
At Schmitt Law, PLLC, we understand filing for divorce can be an emotional and confusing experience. That’s why we are committed to providing personalized service to each client we represent, and will be with you through this difficult journey. At Schmitt Law, PLLC we encourage clients to take a more collaborative approach to divorce that promotes positive communication and cooperation. Through mediation or the collaborative divorce process, Laurie guides her clients through amicable divorce settlements so they can move forward with their life. To discuss your circumstances and legal options, contact Schmitt Law, PLLC at (616) 608-4634 to schedule a consultation. Or contact us online to arrange a consultation. Our office is located at 401 Hall Street SW Suite 112D, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
