We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Finance

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Prepaid Lawyers?

Malcolm Tatum
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 8,772
Share

Prepaid lawyers are attorneys who offer ongoing legal services to clients who agree to pay a monthly or annual fee in advance. By paying this recurring fee, the client has access to all the attorneys connected with the law firm in question on a continuing basis. This arrangement makes it possible to call upon the prepaid attorney for all types of legal services that are covered in the agreement between the client and the law firm.

The concept of prepaid lawyers has been around for a number of years. Businesses have long used a model in which a lawyer is kept on a retainer that is paid annually or semiannually. In return for the advance payment, the lawyer performs a wide range of legal tasks on behalf of the client. These may include creating or reviewing business contracts, filing legal paperwork with local courts, or taking depositions in the event that some type of legal action is initiated by or against the client.

Over the last several decades, the idea of prepaid lawyers has become more common among individuals. For the most part, a prepaid legal plan will include a specific list of legal services that are provided as long as the client is paid up according to the provisions inherent in the plan. This arrangement can allow individuals to draft or make changes in wills or trust agreements, obtain legal advice on matters related to property, or any other service provided by the plan.

Prepaid lawyers can provide a great deal of security and comfort at a time when the need for legal counsel and services arises unexpectedly. The lawyer can function as the advocate for the client in just about any court situation. It doesn’t matter whether the client is a plaintiff or a defendant in a case. Prepaid lawyers may mount a defense or prosecution on behalf of a client with equal ease, as well as file any motions relevant to the situation.

Consumers should note that while prepaid lawyers are often an excellent option, it is important to evaluate each prepaid plan offered by a law firm carefully. Many firms will offer more than one prepaid legal plan, making it possible for clients to choose the range of services they believe will be most helpful. A basic plan may cover essentials such as drafting and filing legal documents such as deeds and wills, while a more comprehensive plan may allow prepaid lawyers to represent the client in any type of court action.

While some people may feel that prepaid legal services may be an exorbitant expense, most prepaid lawyers schedule payments that work well with the client’s flow of income. In many cases, the cumulative annual fees can be offset by one or two services rendered by the attorney during the same annual period.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Malcolm Tatum
By Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing to become a full-time freelance writer. He has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGeek, and his work has also been featured in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and newspapers. When not writing, Malcolm enjoys collecting vinyl records, following minor league baseball, and cycling.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By anon309706 — On Dec 18, 2012

Are there any prepaid services for divorce and child custody?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-prepaid-lawyers.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.