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How We Fight: How to Get Help Paying for a Lawyer

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A version of this article was first published on the Loanry Blog.

When you’re researching how to get help paying for a lawyer, but don’t have the money to pay their hourly fees, there are other options. Most attorneys charge a retainer fee and then hourly fees after that. If you don’t have the money for the retainer, ask the attorney if they will allow you to pay on a contingency basis. This means you won’t have to pay anything up front. Instead, you will pay the attorney a percentage of whatever you are awarded as a settlement.

Emergency cash loans may also be an option if your attorney requires the retainer fee before they agree to take your case. There are a few ways to know how to get help paying for a lawyer. Let’s look more into loan options.

What is a legal loan?

Applying for cash loans online may be the best way to pay for an attorney if you need immediate help. Most attorneys charge by the hour and time will add up rather quickly, especially if you have already paid the retainer. Getting a legal loan is a good way to get the money you need in the right situation. If you can get a legal loan to cover the retainer and the attorney agrees to accept contingency fees, then you won’t have to worry about paying by the hour. Legal loans work best for cases that are fairly simple and don’t require a lot of time or effort on behalf of the attorney and their staff.

Can I get a loan for attorney fees?

If you want to try and finance your lawyer fees, shop personal loans to see how much money you will qualify for. It’s important to have a good idea as to how long your case may last. This will give you a good idea in terms of how many hours you may have to pay for. You will also need to determine if you are going to include the retainer fee in the amount you borrow. Before you make the final decision to borrow money for any reason, you need to carefully evaluate your needs. Figure out exactly how much you need. Never borrow more than you can pay back. While lawyer fees can be expensive, many are willing to work with you on payments if you can at least cover their retainer.

How does paying a lawyer work?

You can pay your lawyer in many ways. The most common way is to pay an upfront fee. This is called a retainer. The retainer covers the lawyer’s time for several hours’ worth of work. Once that money has been used, you will be charged an hourly rate. Once the hours start to add up, so will your fees. You can request that the attorney work on a contingency basis. Contingency fees are taken out of whatever monies you are awarded when the case is settled. This is a good choice if you are filing any type of personal injury case in which you are expected to receive a settlement.

Certain cases that are fairly simple, like contract negotiations may be paid for by a flat fee. The attorney already knows how much time the case will take and charges a flat fee for the service. An uncontested divorce or prenuptial agreement are other examples of cases that may be taken for a flat fee. Emergency cash loans are a great way to pay for flat fees charged by your lawyer.

Loans for criminal attorney fees will lawyers take credit cards?

Surprisingly enough, the majority of attorneys do not take credit cards. Attorneys usually will find any way to let you know how to get help paying for a lawyer. While some are starting to accept digital payments, others prefer upfront payment for their services. This ensures the money is available and in their trust account. This allows it to be used for firm business and to pay other clients. Attorneys who choose to accept credit card payments must make sure the money received goes directly into their trust account for safekeeping. In some cases, attorneys are willing to accept “pre-authorized” payments for their fees. The client must sign an agreement that allows the attorney to charge their credit card for a set fee on a specific date each month.

How to pay for a lawyer with no money?

There are many ways you can find legal representation without having a lot of money. If you are in legal trouble, you may be able to apply for a public defender. You will have to provide the judge with proof that you do not have money for an attorney. If you meet their criteria, you will be assigned a public defender. If you need help with a civil case, you may be able to visit your local Legal Aid office. At Legal Aid, attorneys offer to take on certain types of cases. This works best if you have little to no income. Most people don’t qualify for legal aid because their monthly income is too high.

If you are willing to take the risk of talking to a law student, you may be able to get the information you need for free. Most law students can legally practice if they have a lawyer who is willing to certify them. Most law professors are practicing attorneys who will do this for their students who are advanced enough to handle a case. Some universities have law clinics where students are allowed to take on pro bono cases to hone their skills.

Conclusion – How to Get Help Paying for a Lawyer

If you are wondering how to get help paying for a lawyer, you do have options! Emergency cash loans can help you finance fixed flat fees and retainers. Contingency fees will take the pressure off of you to pay your lawyer fees upfront. If your attorney agrees to accept a contingency fee, then your fees will be paid out of any settlement you receive. Financing any type of legal case will require that you understand how the fees are charged. You will also need to know how long it may take to settle your case. With this information in hand, you can choose the right way to pay for your attorney’s fees.