If you are considering hiring an attorney, it is important that you find out exactly how much they are going to cost before you hire them so you are sure you can afford their services. Also, because different attorneys use different payment methods, it is important that you find out which method a particular attorney uses. Different methods may change the cost depending on certain factors, such as if you win the case, lose the case, have an extended case, etc. The best way to know what to expect in terms of an attorney estimate is simply to ask questions. This article will discuss two questions to ask in regards to an attorney estimate. 

What Is Their Fee Arrangement?

Attorneys generally choose a typical type of fee arrangement and then use this as their base for pay. This may be an hourly fee, a flat fee, a contingency fee, or a retainer fee. An hourly fee is going to be simple and will be the price that you pay for the attorney by the hour for as long as you work with them. Other attorneys like to keep things a bit simpler and will simply have one flat fee that they charge you, no matter how much time you spend working with them and whether or not they win your case for you. A contingency fee is going to be a fee that you will only have to pay if your case meets the contingency. For example, if the contingency is that you will pay attorneys fees only if your attorney wins your case for you, then this is going to be how you are charged. Finally, a retainer fee is when your attorney requires all of the estimated cost of their services up front, and then takes the money out of an special account as it is spent. If there is any left over in the end, this will be returned to you. 

What Are the Court Costs and Other Expenses Going to Be?

While you are obviously going to have your regular attorney fee, you are likely also going to have some other costs that come along with going to court and working with an attorney. These costs may include court costs, filing fees, secretarial charges, delivery charges, etc. Knowing what these are going to be beforehand can help you to plan for these added costs and have the money ready when the time comes to pay for them. 

For more information about attorney estimates, talk to McKone & Unruh.