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So, I need a lawyer. Who do I hire? How much will it cost to hire an attorney?

Finding the Right Lawyer

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You have a challenging decision ahead of you. Maybe you were hurt in in a car accident or arrested. Maybe you were recently served with legal papers or maybe you made the decision that you were going to finally get that estate plan prepared to protect your family. Now, you need to find the right attorney.

What do you do? How do you find the right attorney?

 

Here are some common situations where you should consider meeting with a lawyer:

  • Before buying or selling real estate
  • Before signing a contract with major financial provisions
  • Before you get married (preferably months before the wedding)
  • Before making a will or planning your estate
  • Before organizing a business
  • Whenever you are arrested or charged with a crime
  • When you are involved in an accident in which there is significant damage to persons or property
  • When there are changes in your family status, such as marriage, adoption, divorce
  • When you have tax problems or questions
  • When a lawsuit is brought against you, or you want to bring a lawsuit against someone

Top Tips for Finding the Right Attorney:

  1. Look for referrals from trusted sources (close family or friends)
  2. Is the lawyer experienced in handling cases or situations like yours?
  3. Does the attorney understand your goals and embrace your values?
  4. What is that lawyer or law firm’s reputation in the community?
  5. Are they actively involved with different bar associations?
  6. Do they know the judge and the judge’s policies and procedures?

Additional things to consider when picking an attorney.

  1. Does the staff seem competent and helpful?
  2. Was the office quick to respond? Quick Note: Most law firms should contact you within a business day or two.
  3. Was the attorney attentive? Did they take notes during your consultation?
  4. Did the attorney answer your questions?
  5. Is the attorney and staff professional?
  6. What about their appearance, did the attorney appear polished?
  7. What about their office? Did they meet you at a fast-food restaurant?
  8. Is the attorney taking notes during your initial consultation?
  9. Does the attorney seem honest and genuine? Or, in the alternative, is the attorney trying to sell you a dream by telling you everything that you want to hear?

How much is the right attorney going to cost?

It depends. It might be $1,000.00 or it might be $25,000.00. Since every case is unique, the time and labor involved, and the customary fees charged based on the skill of your attorney and the novelty of your case will determine the actual cost for the case. Here are the factors that attorneys need to consider when quoting someone costs:

  • The time and labor required
  • The novelty and difficulty of the questions
  • The skill requisite to perform the legal service properly
  • The preclusion of other employment by the attorney due to acceptance of the case
  • The custom fee
  • Whether the fee is fixed or contingent
  • Time limitations imposed by the client or the circumstances
  • The amount involved and the results obtained
  • The experience, reputation, and ability of the attorneys
  • The “undesirability” of the case
  • The nature and lengths of the professional relationship with the client
  • Awards in similar cases

Standard Guaranty Ins. Co. v. Quanstrom, 555 So. 2d 828 (Fla. 1990)

The difference between contingency fees and hourly fees

Some cases may be eligible for a contingency fee. That means, you do not pay anything unless there is a particular outcome in your case. Generally, the contingency fee will be a percentage of recovery or some other similar calculation.

Other cases may be eligible for a flat fee. That means, the price you pay is the only attorney’s fees you pay for that case or that portion of your case (for example, some attorney’s will charge a flat fee to draft a certain document, but that fee may not include litigation).

The most common type of fees charged by attorneys are hourly fees. Often, this means paying a fee upfront (sometimes called a retainer) to the attorney to start the work. Then, the attorney and/or staff bill against that initial fee. Most family law, divorce cases, and litigation cases are done on an hourly basis. It is important to discuss budget limitations, payment plan options, and policies if additional payments are needed.

What can you do to limit or control your attorney’s fees?

Sometimes, attorney’s fees can get out of control. The first thing you need to do is a cost-benefit analysis to determine how much time and money you are willing to invest in your case. It is not just about getting more than you put into your case either. You need to consider:

  • Your appetite for litigation and/or desire for settlement;
  • Willingness or desire to invest in experts or other ancillary professionals;
  • Financial flexibility, including whether you may exceed any proposed budget or adjust it upwards as the matter requires; and,
  • Try to gauge the wherewithal of the opposing party and anticipate the type of opposition they are capable of mounting.

Award-Winning Lawyers at the TK Law Firm:

Contact TK Law and speak with one of our experienced attorneys to discuss your case and develop a budget and strategy that fits your goals. We can help you plan your case out in phases so that you can budget your time, money, and energy towards reaching a resolution.

 

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STEP 3

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If we take on your case, you’ll be represented by the best.

Get Your Free Case Evaluation Today

The Orlando divorce lawyers at TK Law are deeply committed to the individuals and families they serve. We are here to help you resolve each legal concern so you can regain control and move forward with your life. You will also have a steadfast, accomplished advocate in your corner to fight for what matters most if a dispute goes to trial.

We know how overwhelming conflict can be and how painful it is to see a marriage end. We will guide you through this difficult process before, during and after your divorce.

Contact our offices today to schedule a confidential consultation with one or our family law attorneys, or call us at 855-572-6376.

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Roy P.
Mar. 2024
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Gastell and Kayla were awesome! They helped me make it through a very challenging time in my life with kindness and compassion. They were always available to answer my questions and kept me up to date. Their counsel was extremely helpful in aiding a resolution that I am very satisfied with.
Carmen D.
Mar. 2024
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I give this law firm a 5 star. Ray and Janelise helped us with our probate issue and made the process a lot easier for us to finalized all of it. We're very thankful to this law office and recommend them for any legal issues.Thank you Janelisse and Ray and the entire office .
Alysia T.
Jan. 2024
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I am thankful to Janelise and Kayla at TK Law for a fantastic job. Kayla guided me through every step of my divorce process. She is patient, professional, and honest. I highly recommend them!
Chris O.
Dec. 2023
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This was first experience hiring a law firm and I am very happy that I hired TK Law. My attorney Janelise and Paralegal Kayla were kind, knowledgeable and made the process easy. They were quick to respond when I needed revisions to my document and the final outcome was perfect. If I ever need legal help in the future, I will not hesitate to contact TK Law again.

*Top-rating from clients and award publications such as Orlando Weekly, US News & more.​

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We offer payment plans, accept credit cards, are available for evening appointments and our main office is conveniently located right off of I-4, between 436 and 434. For immediate help call: 407-834-4847.

Disclaimer

The information found here is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any situation or individual case. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

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999 Douglas Ave #3333, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714

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