Are you going through a divorce or launching a new trade? Was he injured in a car accident? Are you about to make your will or face a lawsuit? In any of these situations, you may consider hiring the services of a lawyer to advise you or to represent your interests. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers you the following recommendations to help you make a smart decision when you choose – and use – a legal representation.

Here at RS Chase Lawyers you’ll find a team of qualified professionals ready to assist you with any issues related to real estate.

Know who you are dealing with

Many lawyers specialise in a particular area of ​​law. Make sure your lawyer has the corresponding experience. A lawyer who usually writes wills may not be the best option to represent you before the court in a car accident case. In the event that your family, friends or colleagues have hired the services of a lawyer on a similar issue, ask them for recommendations. If no one can recommend a lawyer, check with the local and state bar association or association (Bar Association). Some groups offer referral or referral services to their members.

Find out and investigate

Try to speak with more than one lawyer before selecting the one who will be your representative. But find out before if they will charge you fees for an initial meeting or consultation. Be prepared to describe your problem briefly, clearly and summarily. Consult and ask the lawyers about your legal experience, your fees, the possible options, the chances of winning the case, who will do the job and when the problem can be resolved.

Know the details of the deal

Once you decide to hire a lawyer, make sure you understand the terms agreed between them. How often will the lawyer give you updated reports on the case? What information will you be required to provide? Do you understand all your options? What will be the total cost? If you are not clear about exactly what the lawyer is doing, ask them to explain it clearly. Although the likelihood of success in your case cannot be guaranteed, discuss with the lawyer the approach or approach of your case. You should feel comfortable with the approach taken by your lawyer. Be honest with your lawyer about all the facts and circumstances surrounding your situation. You may wish to obtain a written agreement with your lawyer.

Fees and costs

Before you begin any work on your subject, ask what the cost of the lawyer’s services will be, and if you will be responsible for paying other charges and expenses. There are state rules of professional ethics that require lawyers to charge reasonable fees. The American Bar Association recommends that lawyers detail their fees, preferably in writing, within a reasonable period of time after the start of their representation. Also, some state bar associations require lawyers to submit their fees in writing before they begin to act on the case. Your lawyer may charge you extra charges for copying documents, courier services, court filing costs or investigative services. Be sure to understand what charges will be made and for what amount or amount.

Payment arrangements

Remember that the most expensive lawyer is not necessarily the best lawyer for you and your case. Nor is a fee that seems to be a bargain always the best deal. Search for the best balance between experience and the cost of fees. You may want to consult your lawyer if, a lawyer from your same office with less experience or a legal assistant can perform some of the tasks in order to reduce your costs. You may also wish to consult about the tasks that you could perform and thus save time and money. For example, you can copy, withdraw or deliver certain documents. A lawyer can charge you a fixed fee for a particular service or offer alternative methods of payment. Each method has benefits and risks.

Conditional Fees. A conditional fee agreement – also called quotas – means that your lawyer gets a percentage of the amount, whatever it is, that you receive as a result of the resolution of your case. If you do not receive any monetary compensation, your lawyer does not charge any fees. However, you may owe expenses for court charges, copying documents and hiring expert or expert witnesses. If you have little money to pay hourly fees, it may be appropriate to negotiate contingent fees with your lawyer. But before agreeing to a conditional fee with your lawyer, consider that:

Fixed Fee. In this case, you pay the lawyer an amount of dollars established for a particular service, such as the writing of a will. If the matter is simple and simple, say, for example, a divorce by mutual agreement or the simple filing of a bankruptcy or bankruptcy, many lawyers often charge a fixed fee. Be sure to find out exactly what is included in this type of fee.

Hourly rates. The lawyer charges a set hourly fee. The final cost to pay will depend on how long it takes to complete your work. The hourly rate of attorneys’ fees varies according to their knowledge and experience. An experienced lawyer may charge higher fees but can also complete the job more quickly. Because the hours of work on your case can increase rapidly, you should request a written estimate estimating the necessary number of hours of work to complete your case and get an idea of ​​the amount your final bill will amount to.

Fees advance. Your lawyer may ask you to pay a fee in advance. A lawyer can avail himself of this type of fee – often called an advance (retainer in English) as an advance payment to cover expenses and fees. It is important that you check your account periodically to find out how your money is being spent.

Public Legal Services. Depending on your economic situation, you may be eligible for free or low-cost legal services through special organisations. For example, you may be eligible for free representation in cases of divorce or rental disputes between landlords and tenants. Search your local telephone directory to find organisations that provide legal services or legal clinics associated with law schools.

Prepaid Legal Plan. Some organisations offer prepaid legal service plans that work as insurance policies. In exchange for a monthly fee you receive certain legal services when you need them. Fees charged and covered services may vary based on each state law and the particular plan. Review each plan carefully to make sure you are aware of the coverage the plan provides and if it corresponds to your particular situation.

Remember that here at RS Chase Lawyers you will find the most suitable services offered by professionals qualified for your case.