Whether it be a divorce, a dispute over an inheritance, or a corporate lawsuit, many people find themselves in need of a lawyer at some point in their lives. Hiring a lawyer is not as simple as many people would believe. In most cases, finding a lawyer will take adequate preparation on the part of the potential client.
Finding a lawyer who specializes in the legal issue at hand is one of the first steps that should be taken before a person can get a lawyer. For example, some attorneys specialize in family law, such as divorces, adoption procedures, and prenuptial agreements. In most cases, a family law attorney would not be the best choice for someone looking for legal advice for their corporation. Learning about lawyers in a particular specialty is best accomplished through word-of-mouth; however, there are area legal associations that may also recommend quality lawyers who are skilled in a specific specialty.
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Once a lawyer is chosen, it is best to find out how his or her fee schedule works. In most cases, this can be done during the initial consultations. Some lawyers charge a fee by the hour. Others set up a retainer where charges are deducted from a fund for a particular client. A retainer can be set up for monthly or for yearly charges, depending on the nature of the case.
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One of the most affordable methods of payment is to pay by the project or case. For example, if a client needs a will drafted, she simply pays a set rate and receives her will. In other legal disputes, the lawyer may receive a percentage of the award, if the case is won. One method of payment may work better for a potential client than another method, so it is essential to find out all fee information as soon as the decision to get a lawyer has been made.
Many lawyers have busy case schedules. As a result, they may not accept every potential client that comes into their offices. Consequently, it is important to have a clear timeline and description of the case for the lawyer during the initial meeting. The facts and the nature of the dispute should be set out clearly to get a lawyer who may otherwise turn down a particular case.
It is always best to get a lawyer as soon as a legal dispute arises. Waiting can make the case more difficult. In addition, if a case becomes extremely complex, it will require more of the lawyer’s time. In most cases, more time on the part of the lawyer means more money paid by the client.