Money Talk
It's time to talk money. Lawyers charge by the hour, and no doubt fees will vary among the lawyers you interview. Cheaper isn't necessarily less good, and expensive isn't necessarily better. You should hire the expertise you need for your situation, so if your case is simple and straightforward, you don't need the local custody expert or the big-estate guy. An experienced family law lawyer whose practice is primarily the uncomplicated divorce will serve you ably. If you do have a tough case, then by all means hire the expertise you need, and be ready to pay for it.
Lawyers usually ask for a retainer — a down payment — to be applied to the hours put in on your case. Divorce lawyers will normally ask you to sign a retainer agreement, which is a document that outlines the rules you and your attorney will follow in handling your divorce. In most states this is required by law.
If your attorney asks you to sign a retainer agreement, read it carefully. If you don't understand something, ask for an explanation. During your divorce, it's important that you never sign something you don't understand.
The agreement should clearly state the lawyer's hourly rate and the rates of paralegals and secretarial staff. Many lawyers charge in quarter-hour increments. This means that a five-minute task or telephone call will be billed as fifteen minutes. Some lawyers also charge double or triple for telephone calls taken at their homes or after hours. The agreement should be clear about how the lawyer bills for telephone calls, travel to court, copies, and faxes. A provision stating the lawyer will fire you as a client if you don't keep your bill current probably will be included.
