A question that pops up quite often is “How Much Does it Cost for Attorney Services” Quite honestly, the amount a divorce attorney gets paid has a lot to do with how prepared you are and if you are willing to work with your attorney or, if you want your attorney to do all the work.
By reviewing this list and following these tips, it is nearly certain that you can cut down on the time it takes to resolve your case, which will lead to less fees for which you will be responsible.
1. Start with the Right Attorney
The amount of money you spend on your divorce or family related litigation can be significantly minimized by choosing the right attorney. Do your research and choose someone experienced in the area of family law and who is attentive and interested in your situation. Attorney Eric Cheshire’s practice is exclusively in the area of Marital and Family law. He has successfully represented families in the area of Family Law for 25 years and upholds honest, Christian standards as he protects your rights while serving the best interest of the children.
2. Consolidate Questions for Telephone Communications
Many clients will call their attorney anytime a question comes up. While Attorney Cheshire is happy to take your calls as his schedule allows, many “quick questions” via phone, can lead to higher costs, because each communication is billed to you. Instead of phoning whenever a single question comes to mind, consider writing down any non‐emergency questions and call when you have several questions or comments at once. This will allow Attorney Cheshire to assist you with any questions or comments you may have in an efficient and timely manner, keeping your costs to a minimum. However, if an emergency, or time‐sensitive situation arises, please do not hesitate to contact Attorney Cheshire at once, as he has provided you with his office and cell phone numbers.
3. Communicate via E-‐Mail
E-mail has several advantages over phone or letters. First, e‐mail is easier for the attorney to file and record, which assists Attorney Cheshire in efficiently answering your present and future questions. Second, Attorney Cheshire can be sure to have the answer by the time he responds, compared to a phone call where you may catch Attorney Cheshire when your file is not immediately available to him. Like telephone calls, try to save multiple questions and put them all into one e-mail, so he can answer all of your questions at once. Several questions or comments in one e-mail costs much less then several e-mails with one comment or question in each.
4. Respond to Inquiries in a Timely Manner
Attorney Cheshire will likely have questions for you throughout his work on your legal matter. Just as he will do for you, it is important that you respond to any requests as quickly as possible. Forcing Attorney Cheshire to make several attempts to get in touch with you will increases costs.
5. List of Assets and Liabilities
Make a list of all of your assets and liabilities that you and your spouse have accumulated during the marriage and before the marriage. Include financial account numbers and balances, and a detailed description of your assets. By providing this information at the beginning of your case, you will save future litigation expenses.
6. Gather and Organize Your Documents
Please gather and organize your documents as specified by Attorney Cheshire. These documents will usually pertain to Mandatory Disclosure of financial records, or a Request to Produce, if applicable. Group documents together and make sure all requests are complete. You don’t want to pay your lawyer to do things that you can do yourself. This will definitely save you money.
7. List for Custody/Time-‐Sharing Issues
If child custody or time-sharing is an issue, make a detailed list, at the beginning of your case, of the reasons why your minor children should primarily reside with you. This helps Attorney Cheshire to focus on the most important issues of your custody litigation, which will save you time and money.
8. Be Willing to Discuss Issues With your Spouse
If you and your spouse, or the other party involved, are on speaking terms, you may be able to agree on matters between yourselves and present these verbal agreements to your attorneys. This will save you from spending money on any unnecessary litigation between Attorney Cheshire and other attorneys, or other interested parties.
9. Consider Mediating
Prepare for mediation or collaborative practice sessions. Think about how you wish to prioritize the issues. Do you want to discuss parenting time or custody issues first? Are there emergent financial issues that must be addressed right away? Make time to develop your agenda and share it with Attorney Cheshire. If either of you needs to do some homework before the session, you will have a chance to plan for that. You are in a much better position, financially and other-‐ wise, if you can settle out of court. By doing so, you choose the outcome of your case, rather than leaving your future, and the future of your children, for the Court to decide.
10. Set Reasonable Objectives
You cannot expect to achieve unrealistic results. Get a fair assessment of your case in the beginning and understand that things can change as the case progresses. It is nearly certain that both parties will have to compromise a little (or a lot) to resolve the case. Realize that divorce and family law litigation are emotionally fueled processes. Think critically and reasonably about your intentions and goals for the outcome. By having reasonable and realistic goals, you are making your case easier and saving yourself money.
Lastly, show your attorney your appreciation by paying your bills timely as agreed. If Attorney Cheshire does not have to spend unnecessary time on your case attempting to collect payment, he can concentrate on what really matters… your case and the outcome.