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How to Tell Whether Your Lawyer's Charges Are Legitimate |
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It's often hard to tell whether the amount of time your lawyer spent working for you was legitimate. After all, you weren't there, and you're not a lawyer, so how are you supposed to know whether the charges are correct? |
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Although you can't keep track of every last microsecond, you can keep an eye on things. First, always ask your lawyer to discuss the amount of time and cost that will be incurred for a project your lawyer has in mind before he begins that project. Maybe your lawyer wants to make a motion asking the judge to order your spouse not to call the kids before 7 p.m. because you've been complaining about calls during dinner. The motion might cost a thousand dollars. You could ask the lawyer whether he can call your spouse's lawyer first or send a letter about the problem. |
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Check your bills carefully. Sometimes law offices, like any business, can make a human error and charge for work not done on your behalf. One man was charged for a will when he hadn't had a will drafted! It turned out to be an honest error: someone punched in the computer code for will instead of settlement conference, but you never know. |
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If a lawyer tells you he has to be in court on your case and may have to sit there for three hours before the judge calls your case, ask whether he can do anyone else's work while |
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