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sum you have prepaid. For example, if you paid Attorney Greenfield $1,000 and her hourly rate was $100, you would have bought ten hours of work in advance. Most will quote a flat rate. |
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Other lawyers, meanwhile, do not take a retainer and simply bill you every month as the case moves along. Some lawyers require that a cushion remain in the retainer until the case is concluded; for example, a few thousand dollars to cover the closing of a matter or to refund to you at the conclusion of the case. Whatever the arrangement, determine the details now. Remember, never sign on with a lawyer unless you have these financial details in writing. More about fees in Chapter 7. |
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It's a Small World, After All |
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If your spouse has already hired an attorney, find out if that individual has had any dealings with the lawyer you hope to hire. Remember, lawyers develop enemies and make friends. Rarely will a lawyer come right out and say that he or she hates your spouse's attorney and will not be able to call him or her, let alone negotiate, so you need to be crafty. Watch the attorney's reaction when you mention the lawyer's name. Ask if they've had any cases against one another. Ask about the other lawyer's reputation. |
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You might even tell a white liesay that you've heard the other attorney is impossible and ask if there's any truth to it. A lawyer might be more willing to agree with an assessment that he or she thinks someone else has made. |
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