Information About Legal Fees
Some of the first questions people ask themselves when confronting divorce are:
At the Worcester office of The Massachusetts Family Law Group, these are questions we hear almost every day. Our attorneys are always glad to help people understand the lawyer-client relationship during divorce proceedings.
Why You Should Take the Time to Find the Right Attorney
Attorneys come in all flavors and it takes some care to find the right one for your needs. However, spending the time needed to find the right legal advocate is a good investment. Obtaining competent and zealous representation can actually reduce your overall legal cost by helping the parties to avoid making decisions that complicate the case or prejudice their rights.
Things to Think About When Considering Legal Fees
Most people going through a divorce are concerned about legal costs. In many cases, their concern is justified because divorce or family law litigation in Massachusetts can be very expensive. One challenge when trying to find the right lawyer is understanding what the hourly rates actually mean. It is easy to be scared away from an attorney whose fee is $400. Another lawyer might list his or her fee at $200. But if the $400-an-hour lawyer gets his work done in half the time of the $200-an-hour lawyer, who's cheaper?
Ethics Rules Govern How Attorneys Treat Their Clients
Remember, under Massachusetts Rules of Professional Conduct, it is unethical for a lawyer to deliberately drag out a case. When cases drag on, lawyers may not collect everything owed them because their clients have no money left. Whatever they don't get paid is written off and, in effect, reduces the hourly rate. On the other hand, if a lawyer finishes the work within the amount of time covered by the retainer, he or she gets the full hourly rate and comes out ahead.
Questions About Hiring an Attorney? We Can Help.
Contact our Worcester family law attorneys to learn more about legal fees. Call us toll free at (800) 970-LAWYER.
