Saving money on lawyer's fees

Everyone want to save their money when it comes to dealing with the legal system.  The costs of hiring lawyer's these days is unbelievable, the time off work to attend meetings cuts into your income while it puts your job at risk. A criminal allegation or charge, can require you to retain the services of a Criminal Lawyer while having to hire a Family Law Lawyer at the same time and some times, it is best to have a lawyer that practices both types of law.

A good lawyer can't spend all their time answering telephone calls and can be difficult to get a hold of when you think you really need them.  In family law it is like the boy who cried wolf.  Every thing is new and you don't want to make a mistake.  This type of panic causes you to "call your lawyer" each time you call your lawyer, there is a deduction from the retainer you left your lawyer. Between your calls, calls from the other lawyer, letters back and forth, it dose not take long to use up your retainer and rack up a bill.  If you loose at court you can add the other parties legal bill to your own.    

There are things you can do to avoid having to pay for telephone calls, letters, faxes and other expenses which not only save you money but help you micro manage your court case. If you have and can use a computer, have access to the internet and a printer, then you are already ahead of the game.  If you don't have these items your in trouble and should think about getting a second hand laptop and access to the internet. If you don't have a computer or can't use one then the next best thing is to have a fax machine.

To save money on your legal bill you must have a plan that restricts your lawyer from taking certain actions without your written consent.

Instructions are best given to your lawyer in writing.    

Prepare for your meetings in advance with an agenda to follow.

Make notes before, during and after your meeting with your lawyer.

Keep track of all the time you spend on your case communicating with your lawyer by cell phone or fax confirms the communication took place, how much time was involved and the details.

Make sure you stay a head of all important dates involving court appearances and what needs to be completed from one court date to the next, so you don't get caught off guard.