Except straight-time charges, other arrangements involve contingent charges, hourly fees, agreed percentages, flat charges, expenses and costs, charges set by a judge or allowances.
With a contingent fee arrangement, the attorney gets no fee till money is regained for the client. Prior to recovery, the attorney is paid a negotiated-upon percentage, normally varying from 25 to 50 percent of the amount regained.
A written fee arrangement must state the expenses and costs to be withheld and whether these costs and expenses are to be withheld by or after the contingent fee is determined.
However, even if there is no recovery, the customer is still liable for court expenses (filing fees, subpoena charges, etc.) and associated costs, like phone payment charges, investigator’s charges, medical reports and other expenses.
Agreed percentages are applied when collecting debts. The charge is based upon the percentage of the amount collected.
Flat fees are typical for regular services, like writing a simple will or helping with a usual real estate matter. Hourly fees are based upon the time needed for treating a case. Rates range in accordance with an attorney’s experience or the requirement for a special service.
Almost all expenses and costs are charged at regular intervals, irrespective of the charge arrangement. Filing fees, professional statement, charges for serving legal order and other expenses that are developed by the lawyer on behalf of the customer are to be paid separately. Costs, like long-distance phone fees, photocopies, etc. are to be paid as well.
Sometimes, a judge or hearing officer can determine a fee, taking into account the work and complications entailed in a specific situation. Attorney’s charges for probate services are usually subject to court approval.
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